The RSPCA are asking for the public’s help after three cockapoo puppies were DUMPED and found in a “terrible state”.
The puppies – two females, who have been named Olive and Emmy, and one male, who has been named Gus – were found by a member of the public on a bridle track on Sunday morning (6 May).
Luckily, the thoughtful finder managed to catch them and put them in his garden until an RSPCA officer could get there.
The puppies have now been diagnosed with sarcoptic mange, a highly contagious skin disease found in dogs caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite.
RSPCA inspector Kris Walker said: “As well as being very scared, these poor puppies were in a terrible physical state.
“All of them are thin and have extensive hair loss and scabby, reddened and sore skin and tests have now revealed they have sarcoptic mange.
“It seems very likely that they were dumped and that this was the reason why.”
The puppies, who were found in Wetherby, West Yorks., are thought to be aged around eight-weeks-old, which is the age at which breeders would usually look to rehome them.
Inspector Walker added: “They were taken straight to a vets in Leeds where they were looked after for three days and have now been transferred to RSPCA Doncaster, Rotherham & District branch animal centre where they’ll be given all the TLC they need.
“They are feeling a whole lot better but have a long road ahead of them I’m afraid.”
Anyone with any information about who they belonged to, or who saw anything they think might help our investigation, is asked to call the inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018 and leave a message for Inspector Walker.
He added: “Sarcoptic mange is a very contagious condition that causes a great deal of suffering to the dogs who get it and I am extremely concerned that the puppies’ mum could also have it, and any other dogs at the location too.”
To help the RSPCA visit: www.rspca.org.uk/give
