The Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA) has said it is “saddened and dismayed” at “yet another” litter of puppies being dumped just after Christmas.
The Northern Ireland animal welfare charity said the latest case involved a litter of cross-breed puppies approximately eight weeks old being abandoned in a field in Whitecross, Armagh.
The charity said yesterday (Monday, January 9) that the “young vulnerable” puppies were discovered by a member of the public and brought into the care of the USPCA.
Colleen Tinnelly, USPCA chief operating officer, said: “We are disheartened that despite numerous pleas to the public regarding responsible pet ownership, we are still seeing defenceless young animals being abandoned only weeks after Christmas.
“Following examination from our veterinary team, the six abandoned puppies are undergoing treatment and will hopefully be ready for rehoming in due course.”
Earlier this month, the USPCA took in 13 white bunnies that were found abandoned in a cardboard box also in Co. Armagh.
‘No excuse’
Tinnelly said that pet owners should not underestimate the responsibility that comes with ownership, and should take full responsibility for the welfare for their pets.
“We urge the public to think long and hard about their pets – are they neutered? Are you capable of looking after an unexpected litter?” she asked.
“If not, we remind them to think as a responsible owner and have their pets neutered – there is absolutely no excuse for leaving young animals to suffer because you haven’t made this conscious decision.
“It is well known that that animal charities across Northern Ireland are at full capacity. Unfortunately, in the months after Christmas we do brace ourselves for a further increase in unwanted animals and we try to accommodate as many as we can.
“Never have we seen cases like this so quick on the back of Christmas – we’re shocked and very disappointed that it continues to happen.
“Our advice on responsible pet ownership is clear – an animal is not a toy; it is a lifetime commitment and doesn’t come with a return policy.”