Abandoned New Year's Eve puppies in need of homes
Image: Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
The 12-week-old English Bull Terrier Cross pups were found in a small plastic box dumped outside Battersea's Old Windsor Centre. The five puppies were dirty and distressed, left with no food or water. Staff at Battersea quickly brought them into the warm and gave them food, water and a wash. They will need to stay at the centre for at least 7 days before they can be re-homed.
Centre Manager Kate Mughal says: “Given the timing we're worried they were bred as Christmas presents by someone looking to make a quick buck, but when they failed to sell they were disposed of.
"Dumping animals without food or water near a busy main road could have disastrous consequences, but thankfully we found these pups quickly, and they’re now recovering from their ordeal."
For homes and rescue centres like Battersea, the festive season brings with it increased pressure on resources. Between Christmas day and New Year's Day, Battersea's three centres received 96 dogs and 52 cats. Of the 11 cats and 36 dogs that came to the Old Windsor centre alone, around half were strays.
The puppies have been festively named Midnight, Big Ben, Chimes, Bubbles and Fizz. The charity will be seeking caring new homes for them this year.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
