Puppies recovering after mum attacked with hammer

Seven bulldog-cross puppies and their mother have been taken in by the RSPCA after the older dog was attacked with a hammer.

Police officers seized the animals from a house in Doncaster after their owner admitted hurting the mother.

All eight are now being cared for by the charity, with the seven puppies - named Blue, Duke, Edward, Maria, Melody, Piper and Ruset - due to be put up for adoption soon.

An RSPCA spokesperson said: "We hope to put the pups up for fostering in the next few days with owners who would be keen to adopt - but it may take a little longer with Roxy as she still has the head wound and we want to make sure she is comfortable."

The latest intake of puppies at the RSPCA Doncaster and Rotherham Branch comes after it took in seven young dogs that were abandoned outside the gates of the centre on 15 November during Storm Claudia.

Staff named the male terrier-cross pups after storms - Bram, Dave, Eddie, Marty, Oscar, Patrick and Wubbo - and said all seven have been reserved to go to new homes.

The charity said it was bracing itself for an increase in callouts this winter, with rescuers currently "doing all they can to help animals experiencing the very worst cruelty and neglect".

As a result the RSPCA has launched an appeal to raise funds for its officers to be able to rescue more animals..

Daniel Cartwright, branch manager, added: "Right now, animals are suffering.

"Dogs are starving behind closed doors and sick cats are left without the treatment they need.

"Join the Big Give Back to Animals and give them the lives they deserve."

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