A member of the public rescued two spaniel puppies that were left for dead in a cardboard box at Dock House, Hazlemere Marina in Waltham Abbey. The witness saw the puppies' former owner dump them in the box and drive off. The puppies were found covered in urine and unable to stand, and one sadly died shortly after being taken in by the RSPCA. The surviving puppy, named Bertie, is around six to eight weeks old and was diagnosed with parvovirus, a highly contagious and deadly virus that attacks the intestines. Bertie is currently recovering at the RSPCA's Finsbury's Park Animal Hospital in London. The RSPCA is investigating the incident and has put up posters appealing for information about the puppies' origins. The organisation has also highlighted the importance of vaccinating puppies to prevent illnesses like parvovirus, and urged prospective pet owners to adopt instead of buying from unscrupulous dog traders who are believed to make millions of pounds from the trade.
On Sunday, March 12th, a witness rescued two spaniel puppies that had been left to die in a cardboard box at Dock House, Hazlemere Marina in Waltham Abbey. The puppies were covered in urine and unable to stand. A member of the public witnessed the former owner dumping the puppies in the box and driving off, before taking the dogs home and contacting the RSPCA. Tragically, one of the puppies died shortly after being rescued, but the other, named Bertie, was taken to the RSPCA's Finsbury's Park Animal Hospital in London, where he is currently recovering. Bertie was diagnosed with parvovirus, a highly contagious and deadly virus that attacks the intestines. Animal rescue officer Mark Hanley, who is investigating the incident, said, "Bertie and his brother were abandoned in a box, covered in urine and unable to stand. They were so thin, with their hip bones and ribs clearly visible." The RSPCA has put up posters in the area appealing for information about the puppies' origins and urged anyone who knows where they came from to get in touch.
Bertie's survival highlights the importance of vaccinating puppies against illnesses like parvovirus. Emma Yelland, from Finsbury Park, said, "It’s very sad that Bertie and his brother had parvovirus - it highlights the importance of making sure puppies are vaccinated so they don’t get this awful illness.” The RSPCA continues to work to tackle the link between organised crime and the dog trade, and urged prospective owners to adopt rather than buy from unscrupulous traders. The organisation also encouraged buyers to use the RSPCA-backed Puppy Contract to ensure they are buying responsibly and not inadvertently funding criminal activity.
The RSPCA's investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information about the puppies is urged to contact them on 0300 123 8018. The organisation continues to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals in need of care, and donations to support their work can be made on their website.
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