RSPCA investigates after two dead puppies found in woods near Rugby

The RSPCA is appealing for information after the bodies of two puppies were found in woodland near Rugby.

The puppies were discovered by a dog walker on Friday, March 13, when their pet sniffed among the undergrowth in Binley Woods at Gossett Lane, off Rugby Road.

The puppies’ bodies were taken to nearby Medivet in Binley, who examined them before contacting the RSPCA.

Inspector Steve Lee, who is now investigating, said: “It must have been so upsetting for the dog walker to find two dead puppies whilst out on their walk.

"I’m very concerned about how they came to be dumped like this and also for the health and welfare of the mother dog, and any potential siblings.

"I’d like to find out where they are and check on them.”

Neither puppy was microchipped, and when the vet examined the pups they could not find obvious signs of trauma, so little is currently known about them and what caused their death.

Steve added: “The puppies both appear to be around a week old as their eyes had not opened yet, one is a bulldog or mastiff type, was wrapped in newspaper, and is considerably bigger than the other, so we suspect they are not from the same litter.

"One also had a cleft palate which means they would have needed to be hand-reared.

“It’s possible they may have been abandoned by an unscrupulous puppy breeder who wasn’t prepared to put the time in to care for them.

"This is, sadly, the reality of the underground puppy trade - where money is put ahead of the welfare of the dogs."

Anyone with any information about these puppies can contact Steve in complete confidence, by leaving a message for him on the RSPCA's specific inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

If you are thinking of buying a puppy, the RSPCA urges you to consider rescuing.

If buying from a breeder, the charity advises people to be really careful before parting with their money and taking home a dog.

If you have concerns or are suspicious of the seller then walk away and contact the RSPCA and your local council.

The RSPCA is on the frontline, tackling the puppy trade and is hopeful that new licensing regulations and proposed legislation coming into force next month will help to crackdown on unscrupulous breeders and sellers.

Anyone who is buying a puppy should use The Puppy Contract (puppycontract.org.uk) which can help ensure you bring home a happy and healthy dog.

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit their website (www.rspca.org.uk) or call the donation line on 0300 123 8181.