Three puppies dead after 11 abandoned in park

A group of 11 puppies were abandoned in a park and three of them were dead by the time they were discovered, the RSPCA says.

The dogs were found by a member of the public in Snowdon Park in Chard, Somerset, at around 08:30 BST on Monday.

The RSPCA is now asking for anyone with information - as well as the person who abandoned them - to get in touch. The charity said the puppies were only hours old when they were left and one of the puppies found dead had a wound across its neck.

RSPCA chief inspector Lewis Taylor said: "It's really sad to think that they were dumped at a time when they desperately needed urgent help and care. There is never an excuse for abandoning animals in this way."

The surviving dogs have been treated by vets and are now being hand reared by foster carers in their homes, the RSPCA said.

The charity said the puppies were too young to be able to tell what breed they were.

"It's still early days but so far, so good," an RSPCA spokesperson added.

The charity said it was taking care of a record number of animals, with cruelty and neglect numbers rising.

Taylor added: "Rescued from heart-breaking situations, many of our animals need extensive care and rehabilitation.

"Our centres are full, forcing us to use costly emergency boarding kennels, catteries and stables."

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