Three chihuahuas have been found abandoned in a cardboard box. There was a car park near one of Wiltshire’s most popular tourist attractions. A public member found the trio near Avebury stones on Sunday, August 14, at around 8 am before taking them to a vet who contacted the RSPCA.
According to their microchips, the dogs, two older female chihuahuas named Babe and Tinkerbell. And rescuers have looked after a younger male named Ferdinand by the team since they were found.
All three were in poor condition. They needed urgent care and attention. And Babe also had a severe open wound on her back right leg and had to have emergency surgery to remove the limb.
RSPCA inspector Sharon Chrisp, who is investigating for the animal welfare charity, said: “These three dogs were dumped like rubbish and left out in the open during the record temperatures of the recent heatwave.
“We understand that pet owner may be going through a difficult time. The cost of living crisis is putting a strain on people’s finances. And, according to our Animal Kindness Index, two thirds of owners find it more expensive to look after their pets compared to last year.
“But there’s never an excuse to abandon an animal like this.
“Leaving them out in a heatwave is just cruel… These poor dogs must have been terrified to have been dumped. Especially Babe, who will have been in pain from her untreated injury.”
The RSPCA sees a rise in animal cruelty over the summer months, with 245 reports of cruelty every day.
And with 21 reports of animal beatings a day – nearly one beating every hour – the charity is braced for a summer of suffering.
The dogs have microchips. And Inspector Sharon Chrisp has been following up on several leads but cannot trace their owner.
She is now keen to speak to anyone who may have information about who owned them.
She added: “Thankfully, they’re now in RSPCA care, and we will do all we can to help them recover and give them a chance of a life that they so deserve.
“I’m keen to speak to anyone who may recognize these dogs or may know who owned them. Anyone with information can contact me on the RSPCA appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”
