Eight abandoned puppies 'discarded like trash'

An investigation is under way after eight puppies were abandoned on an industrial estate in Leicestershire.

The dogs, believed to be about two weeks old, were left in a box on Quarry Lane in Enderby on 20 January.

On Tuesday, Blaby District Council appealed for information to try to find out who was responsible for abandoning the litter.

The council described the dumping of the cross-breed puppies as "heartless".

The authority said the puppies had been taken to a vet by its animal care officers and then to a rescue centre.

New homes have since been found for them all.

The council urged anyone who was in the Quarry Lane area between 11:30 GMT and 14:30 on 20 January and saw anything unusual to contact officers.

Les Phillimore, the council's portfolio holder for environmental services, said: "These poor animals have not had the best start in life, to be discarded like trash in near freezing temperatures just weeks after birth is nothing other than cruel and heartless.

"Thankfully they were found before any real harm could come to them and swift rescue action ensured their ordeal was limited.

"I'm delighted they are healthy and have been found new homes.

"We take animal cruelty extremely seriously and will not hesitate to bring criminal charges should we uncover enough evidence."

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