Abandoned puppies found near motorways

Four abandoned puppies have been found near motorways in two separate incidents.

Three Rivers District Council said the Patterdale crosses were found a 15-minute drive apart at sites close to the M1 and M25 in Hertfordshire.

The first pair, now named Oliver Twist and Artful Dodger by a vet, were found on 13 January, while the other two, Bill and Ted, were discovered four weeks later.

All four showed signs of neglect and needed urgent veterinary care, but two have been rehomed.

The puppies had skin infections, worms and had suffered a loss of fur.

The council has urged those with more information on the abandoned dogs to contact them.

Carmen Zapatero, the authority's animal welfare & licensing inspector, said: "These poor puppies were in a neglected state and were dumped by busy roads where they could have easily been seriously harmed.

"This is not just inhumane, it is illegal."

The first two puppies were rehomed though Battersea Dogs & Cats Home while the other two continue to recover in kennels.

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