Staff at a Cambridgeshire RSPCA centre have voiced their concern after a spate of animal abandonments in the local area all within 10 days.
On August 14, nine puppies were abandoned in a crate outside a home in Chatteris Road, Mepal.
Then, on August 20, six rabbits were left in three pet carriers at Ring’s End Nature Reserve, in Friday Bridge.
Four days later, three kittens were seen being dumped from a van in Puddock Road, Warboys.
All the animals were taken in by the RSPCA Block Fen Animal Centre - which is already full with animals.
The puppies, one boy and eight girls, were believed to be from two litters - seven of the pups are thought to have been born in early June, while the two older pups are believed to have been born in late May.
The pups, possibly labradoodle or cockapoo types, were covered in faeces and had ear mites; they were all very nervous and timid.
They were named - Pancake, Flapjack (boy), Crumble, Muffin, Crumpet, Biscuit, Cookie, Cupcake and Pudding.
They were given vet treatment and made comfortable and three have been rehomed and two further pups have also been reserved.
The rabbits abandoned were a mum and her five babies. Thought to be around nine-months-old, they were found by a member of the public at the nature reserve.
The rabbits were very dehydrated, but they have been given vet treatment and are now recovering well.
Mum has been called Hazel and the babies are Aster (boy), Lily, Poppy, Thistle and Sunflower.
The kittens were spotted being dumped by a white van. Luckily, a kind-hearted member of the public stopped and found the kittens all huddled together.
The kittens all had cat flu and were under eight-weeks-old. They were extremely poorly and too young to be away from mum.
They are still being treated by the vets but have improved a lot. They were named Chester (boy), Cleo and Cody.
Sally Jones, centre manager, said: “It’s really heartbreaking that so many animals have been abandoned in such a short space of time.
“While we don’t know the reason why they were dumped, we do wonder if they were either unwanted litters or had been bred to be sold.
“But when they became sick or too big - they were then abandoned.
“Our centre, like other charities, is in the midst of an animal welfare crisis and with so many animals being abandoned.
“The RSPCA’s frontline rescuers, volunteers and a network of branches are working tirelessly to save animals this summer but we can't do it alone.
“We would urge anyone looking to get a new pet to visit a rescue centre first - because you are not only helping that animal you are also freeing up space for us to help more.
“While some of the pups have already been rehomed, all the animals will be looking for loving new homes.
“Anyone looking to take on a pet should visit our find a pet pages first.”
The RSPCA believes the cost of living crisis has led to a huge rise in abandoned pets and has committed £1.5million in extra funding for crisis measures.
It has launched a new Cost of Living Hub too.
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