Three weeks-old puppies were found worm-ridden and abandoned on the streets

Squirrel, Mole, and Shrew were just weeks old when they were found abandoned in Peterborough, England. Thin and infested with parasites, they urgently needed vet care. The RSPCA are concerned that more and more pets get left behind and fear that the cost of living crisis is making things worse.

Helpless puppies were heartlessly left behind

The RSPCA is appealing for information after three puppies thought to only be around seven weeks old were found abandoned in Peterborough late in the evening.

The person who discovered the pooches gave them food and shelter in their home and contacted the animal welfare charity for help the following morning.

The RSPCA took the pups - two girls and a boy - in and named them Squirrel, Mole, and Shrew.

Inspector Justin Stubbs said:

We think they are probably a terrier-type breed and they are all a bit thin and have a heavy worm burden.

I collected the puppies and took them to a nearby vet for emergency treatment and they have now been transferred into the care of one of the Block Fen Animal Centre - they are not available for rehoming yet.

The latest victims of the cost of living crisis

The RSPCA said they are ‘starting to see the results of rising costs on pet owners’.

They fear that more animals are going be end up in their care while fewer get rehomed.

Stubbs added:

I am keen to find who is responsible for abandoning these puppies and I would urge anyone with information which can help my investigation to call me in confidence on 0300 123 8018.

This year alone, the charity has seen a 25% rise in the number of abandonment incidents and a 13% rise in neglect reports. In response to that, the animal welfare organisation launched its Winter appeal to help raise funds for rescuing and rehoming pets in need like Squirrel, Mole, and Shrew. They are urging the public to support their effort and pleading with people not to abandon their pets.

The RSPCA has launched a Cost of Living Hub online with tips and advice for anyone who might be finding times hard.

Sources used:

- Cambridgeshire Live: 'Puppies thought to be just weeks old found abandoned in Peterborough'