"Shocking" discovery as dead puppies found in Gloucestershire Lake
The RSPCA is appealing for information
The RSPCA has begun an investigation after the bodies of five young puppies were found dumped in a Gloucestershire lake.
The dogs, which are thought to be Staffordshire bull terriers, were found in Newent Lake by a member of the public on Saturday 26 August at around 3:40pm, who then called the charity.
RSPCA inspector Jon Ratcliffe has called it a "shocking" discovery.
"I want to thank the kind-hearted caller who notified us and removed the bodies until we were able to collect them and have them examined by the vet," he said.
The puppies were found in the water, with one inside a white sock.
Each still had their umbilical cords attached.
“We think it is likely the pups were dumped at this location in the hours of days leading up to their discovery and I am eager to speak to anyone who has any information as to who these pups may have belonged to, or if they saw anyone acting suspiciously at the location," Jon said.
“Anyone with information can contact me in complete confidence through our inspector’s appeal line number on 0300 123 8018.”
It comes as the RSPCA has just begun its Cancel Out Cruelty campaign, raising funds to help its rescue teams.
The charity receives around 91,500 calls to its cruelty line every month and investigates 5,300 reports of deliberate animal cruelty.
In the summer though calls reach 8,400 each month - 274 reports every day.
Jon added: “Right now, animal cruelty is happening in England and Wales on a massive scale and rising.
"It is heartbreaking that we are seeing such sad figures which show animal cruelty is, very sadly, on the rise."
The charity is blaming the cost of living crisis and the post pandemic world for creating an animal welfare crisis.
“Each year, these reports reach its terrible annual peak in the summer months – when an animal is beaten on average every hour of every day," Jon said.
"The cost-of-living crisis also means the cost of rescuing animals is at an all-time high and our vital services are stretched to the limit.”
You can find out more about the RSPCA's work and donate, via this link.