Three chihuahuas have been found abandoned in a box in Wiltshire during the blazing heatwave.
The trio were located in Avebury at around 8am Sunday 14 August, before a member of the public – described as “kind-hearted” by the RSPCA – rushed them to a local vet.
The dogs, two older female chihuahuas named Babe and Tinkerbell, according to their microchips, and a younger male who has been named Ferdinand by the team caring for him.
All three were in poor condition and in need of urgent care and attention. 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 owners may be going through a difficult time at the moment with the cost of living crisis putting a strain on people’s finances, and, according to our Animal Kindness Index, two thirds of owners finding it more expensive to look after their pet compared to last year.
“But there is 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.”
This comes as the RSPCA sees a rise of 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.
“With the increase in pet ownership and the cost of living crisis putting a strain on people’s finances, we fear we may see more animals being cruelly abandoned, highlighting the importance of our work to cancel out cruelty.”
The dogs have microchips and Inspector Sharon Chrisp has been following up a number of leads but has so far been unable to trace their owner and is now keen to speak to anyone who may have information as to who owned them.
She added: “Thankfully they are 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 recognise these dogs or may know who owned them. Anyone with information can contact me on the RSPCA appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”
