Seven puppies in care of RSPCA after Doncaster hammer attack on mum
A female dog who was beaten with a hammer as she tried to protect her puppies at a house in Doncaster is now in the care of the RSPCA with her youngsters.
Roxy was found by South Yorkshire Police with a head wound at a property in the Doncaster area after her owner admitted hitting her with a hammer.
Police officers seized the dogs and contacted the RSPCA Doncaster and Rotherham Branch, who were able to arrange urgent veterinary attention for the mum and offer her and her babies a safe and warm environment where they could be cared for.
The pups - all Bulldog-cross types and aged about five weeks-old - have been named Blue, Duke, Edward, Maria, Melody, Piper and Ruset. It is hoped they will soon be able to go to foster-to-adopt homes, while it may take a little longer for Roxy as she needs to recover from her head injury.
Kind-hearted supporters have already raised over £200 towards their care.
Daniel Cartwright, Branch Manager, said: “Our centre received a call from the police asking us to urgently take in the mum and pups after they had been made aware the mum had been involved in a beating incident involving a hammer and in need of some urgent medical attention for a head wound.
“When they first arrived Roxy was in much need of some reassurance and care. She had a nasty wound to her head where her previous owner had beaten her while she was guarding her pups.
“As you can imagine, Roxy has found it difficult to trust people, but she has been making great progress. Her pups are thriving, and she has now received the veterinary treatment she needed and is certainly feeling better.
“We hope to put the pups up for fostering in the next few days with owners who would be keen to adopt - but it may take a little longer with Roxy as she still has the head wound and we want to make sure she is comfortable.”
The latest intake of puppies comes as the branch revealed last week how they had taken in seven young dogs that were left abandoned outside the gates of the centre during horrific storm conditions on November 15.
The male terrier-cross pups, aged about ten weeks, were found by a shocked member of staff as they arrived at work at 8am. The terrified young dogs were cramped in a metal cage and had no food or water.
They are now in the care of the branch and all of them have been reserved to go to new homes. Staff named the puppies after storms - Bram, Dave, Eddie, Marty, Oscar, Patrick and Wubbo.
The rehoming plea for both sets of pups comes as the RSPCA has launched an urgent appeal - The Big Give Back to Animals - in the hope of raising vital funds for its frontline officers to rescue more animals like these puppies. The charity is bracing itself for increased abandonment reports in winter, with RSPCA frontline rescuers currently doing all they can to help animals experiencing the very worst cruelty and neglect.
Daniel added: “Right now, animals are suffering. Dogs are starving behind closed doors. Sick cats are left without the treatment they need. Injured wild animals need expert help. Help rescue, heal and protect suffering animals. Join the Big Give Back to Animals and give them the lives they deserve.”
For those who find themselves struggling, there are many reputable animal welfare charities who can offer help and advice and the RSPCA encourages anybody in a difficult situation to seek support.
More pets needing homes can be found on the RSPCA’s FindAPet page HERE
The branch is appealing for donations to help care for the puppies and you can donate HERE