Eleven puppies rescued after being abandoned in box in Mayo town

ELEVEN puppies abandoned in a box in Castlebar earlier this week are now safe and well with Mayo SPCA.

The puppies, believed to be just four or five weeks old, have endured the 'loneliest start in life', say the organisation.

In a social media post, they explained how a call was received on Monday evening that 11 pups were found in a box in Castlebar.

'We don't think they are any more than 4 or 5 weeks old and desperately missing their mother who must be heartbroken without them.

'If anyone knows of a female dog that has recently had pups please let us know in confidence as we are concerned about the Mammy dog.'

Mayo SPCA extended thanks to the ladies who made the pups safe and Laura, the dog warden, who picked them up.

Eleven additions are not easy at any time, and with the charity already struggling with kitten season, donations towards the puppies' care would be greatly appreciated - the link is https://mayospca.com/Donate.php.

Mayo SPCA also appealed to the person who chose this option: 'Contact us or the dog warden before separating a mother and babies, not to mention spaying your dog in the first place. Please do the right thing now and get care for your dog and never, ever put her or innocent puppies in this situation again.'