Abandoned puppies rescued from mountain path

A litter of seven puppies has been found abandoned in a cardboard box on a mountain pass at just eight weeks old.

After receiving medical care, the Cotswolds Dogs & Cats Home (CDCH) in Stroud took them in.

The RSPCA is appealing for anyone with first-hand information regarding the abandoned animals to get in touch.

Haley Medlock, fundraising manager at CDCH, said: "It breaks my heart to know that these puppies were abandoned, unwanted and uncared for at such a young age."

The puppies were found abandoned in Blaenau Gwent before being discovered by a passer-by and taken to a vet.

Shortly after the veterinary practice contacted the RSPCA, the puppies were brought to the CDCH.

RSPCA animal rescue officer Carl Hone said: “Unfortunately, we don’t know much about this abandonment, as the contact number for the person who took them to the vets isn’t working.

"The puppies all appear healthy – and may even come from two different litters as two of the seven are bigger than the others.

"We’ve placed a found poster at Farm Terrace in New Tredegar, but we’re keen to confirm exactly where they were found.”

CDCH’s Animal care team are providing the puppies with medical care, which is estimated to cost the centre £8,400.

When the puppies were initially examined by the CDCH vet, the pups had dirty coats and various health conditions including umbilical hernias, which will require repair at neutering.

A couple of the puppies also have an underbite that will need to be monitored as they grow.

Ms Medlock added: "Despite having an awful start to life, we know they will learn to love and trust humans again."

The team have named the puppies after types of trees – Ash, Chestnut, Fern, Hazel, Maple, Oak and Willow.