The RSPCA has warned dog owners to be vigilant and get their pets vaccinated after a number of sick puppies were dumped with symptoms of the potentially deadly parvovirus.
RSPCA chief inspector Jim Lucas said three incidents are currently being investigated which involve puppies who have either been confirmed as having parvo, or are suspected to have the disease.
One puppy with symptoms of parvo was dumped near to Newport Pagnell Sports Pavilion, on Willen Road, on Sunday and is currently being looked after by a foster carer following some initial treatment. A second very sick pup was taken to a vet by the animal’s new owner later that day with the same symptoms, but was sadly put to sleep because they were so poorly.
A further six terrier type crossbreed puppies were found on Monday in a box dumped again near the Newport Pagnell Sports Pavilion. One of the puppies has been put to sleep by a vet, while the others are still receiving veterinary treatment also for suspected parvovirus.
Chief inspector Lucas said: “We are looking into these incidents and an active investigation is now underway.
“The worry is that if these puppies have got parvo, or been in contact with other dogs that may have the disease, then there could be others out there which are sick and in need of treatment.
“We now want to alert dog owners around the area and encourage them to remain vigilant and if they suspect their pet is sick, take them straight to a vet. Parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease with a high mortality rate among untreated dogs, so we would encourage owners to ensure their pets are vaccinated to help avoid the heartbreak of losing a much loved pet to the disease.”
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