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How could they?

Ailsa Cranna
18/12/2003

CRUEL pet owners have been slammed for dumping a litter of defenceless puppies out in the cold to die.

Happily, the brood, found wet and shivering in a cardboard box in a field on the Cadishead border, were rescued in time and taken to Animals in Distress sanctuary, on Silver Street, Irlam.

There, Rudolph, Comet, Blitzen, Prancer and Mistletoe were fed and fussed over by staff as the refuge held its annual Christmas Fair.

But sanctuary manager Mike Brown was furious at the heartless abandoning of the cross-breed puppies, aged between six and eight weeks old.

"They had a very lucky escape," he said, "and could easily have frozen to death if they had been left out all night because the temperature dropped dramatically.

"They were wet through, desperately cold and obviously frightened. Clearly, they were too young to fend for themselves.

"I shudder to think what would have happened if a passer-by hadn't seen them and contacted us.

"I think whoever dumped them is totally disgusting and should not be allowed to have animals if this is how they treat them."

The puppies are busy recovering from their ordeal at the sanctuary and will be ready for rehoming in the new year.

Mike pointed out that none of the puppies, kittens or other young animals will be available for adoption until January 14.

Adult animals, however, will be available for rehoming. For further details ring the sanctuary on 775 2221 during office hours.