Abandoned Puppies Reunited Amidst Rising Abandonment Figures

Two puppies, previously abandoned inside a vacant flat, have been reunited following their separate rehoming. Staffordshire bull terriers Jack and Poppy were reportedly barricaded within a Liverpool flat, with an old fridge freezer obstructing the entrance, and left to perish, according to the RSPCA. The sibling puppies were discovered severely starved, so frail that they required assistance to be carried from the premises. After their rescue in September of the previous year, the puppies were transported to the RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital in Salford, and both have since been adopted. Inspector Anthony Joynes described the discovery of the two abandoned dogs as “one of the saddest sights of my career,” adding that “they were like skeletons.” He further stated, “When we arrived they were hours from death, and the property was strewn with empty food cans covered in teeth marks where the pups had scavenged for weeks in a desperate attempt to survive,” concluding, “It must have been so traumatising for them.” Jack was adopted by Emily Rodgers, residing in Wrexham, in November 2023. The 44-year-old commented, “It makes me emotional to think of how Jack was found, but at least he can put that well and truly behind him now – and he has a family who adore him.” Poppy was adopted by Simone Smith, 43, who described her as “an amazing dog” and “so loving.” The RSPCA reported a significant increase in animal abandonments across England and Wales during the winter months, rising by 50% over the last three years. Furthermore, the organization noted that pet abandonments by owners in Merseyside have increased by 25% in the past two years. Last year, 680 animals were abandoned in the region, marking a 24% increase from the 530 cases recorded in 2021. The charity highlighted instances of dogs being left in vacant flats, ill kittens abandoned in cardboard boxes, and domestic rabbits released into the wild. An additional case involved a dog discovered discarded in a skip in Warrington, Cheshire. These statistics were released as part of its “Join The Christmas Rescue” campaign, which aims “to highlight the battle front line rescuers face ahead of what is expected to be another bleak winter.” For further content, listeners can access the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas may also be submitted to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding its approach to external linking is available.