New homes Rescued pups are now safe after being found in back of van
MORE than 20 dogs rescued from a possible puppy farming operation have been rehomed. The pups were nursed back to health and have found their ‘forever homes’ within the policing family and those involved in the rescue effort.
The dogs were discovered in the summer when two members of the public called the police after they were concerned with what they had seen in a van in Charlton Kings, Cheltenham.
It was soon brought to a stop by police on the M6 and more than 40 malnourished puppies were found crammed inside, with fears they had been stolen.
A man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of the theft of the puppies.
Police believe they had been travelling since the previous evening and the pups were crowded in crates with no food or water with many critically ill and too young to have been separated from their mothers.
All of the puppies, which were aged between five and eight-weeks-old, were provided with emergency veterinary care after they were found on August 22.
Breeds included Chihuahua crosses, Border collies, beagles and more and although initially suspected to have been stolen - it is now believed they had been on a journey from a puppy farm.
The police reported they were all in extremely poor health, which is com
mon with puppy farming and consistent with them having been kept in poor conditions that are dirty and cold.
Puppy farming is illegal and the puppies suffer and often die.
These pups were in such poor health that, despite everyone’s best efforts, a number of them did not survive.
However 24 of the puppies did, including Freddie and Norbert, who were saved from the brink of death.
Gloucestershire Constabulary has now revealed that all of the puppies have been rehomed within the policing family and those involved in the rescue effort after an outpouring of offers of suitable homes from officers and staff.
After consulting with the RSPCA, all of them were rehomed in September with the adoption process completed throughout October and they have now settled in with their new families, with their health and confidence improved.
All adoptive owners paid a fee toward the puppy which contributed to food, kennels, vaccinations and vet bills.
Several food donations were also received across the constabulary.
DCI Claire Nutland, leading the investigation and rescue effort, said: “I would like to send a huge thanks to Wood Animal Hospital and Rushwood Kennels in Gloucestershire, and White House Vets and Brookend Kennels in Malvern.
“Their considerable assistance since the summer has been fantastic and thoroughly appreciated.
“A special thanks also needs to go to local behaviourist Estelle Vickery of Little Paws Behaviour and Training, who donated a significant amount of her time free of charge to conduct home checks and provide support to ensure the puppies had the best start in their new rescue homes after the worst start to their lives.
“Finally, the Constabulary would like to thank the members of the public that took the time to report this incident.
“Without their help, these puppies would have been delivered all over the country and many more would have died without urgent veterinary care.
“It is vital that people report suspicious activity to the police and animal cruelty or neglect to the RSPCA in order to tackle this global problem.”
The Police and Crime Commissioner’s Crime Plan lists “a compassionate approach” to the welfare of animals as a priority.
Police and Crime Commissioner Martin Surl said: “A compassionate approach to all animals is not in the police and crime plan by accident.
“It is because the Chief Constable and I take it very seriously.
“This is a story with a happy ending but it could just as easily have gone the other way.
“I hope it encourages people that if they spot signs of animal cruelty or neglect to come forward as their concerns will be properly investigated by the Constabulary.”
The investigation relating to the 24-year-old man from Durham who was arrested in connection with the incident is still ongoing.
It is vital that people report suspicious activity to the police and animal cruelty or neglect to the RSPCA