VIDEO: Tiny pups abandoned in freezing weather (From Sutton Guardian)

VIDEO: Tiny pups Derek and Rodney rescued by the Riverside Animal Centre in Beddington

5:20pm Monday 28th January 2013 in News By Sophia Sleigh, Reporter

Two tiny puppies were left abandoned in a cardboard box in freezing conditions.

Derek and Rodney were brought into the Riverside Animal Centre in Beddington on Thursday, January 24, after someone found them in a cardboard box next to the River Wandle.

The centre, which is appealing for money to deal with the increasing numbers of abandoned dogs, will care of the Jack Russells until they are healthy and well enough to be re-homed.

Both puppies, estimated to be about eight weeks old, have a skin condition but are expected to make a full recovery.

Centre manager, Ted Burden, said: “It’s pure speculation but my guess is someone’s bred them – more than two – and just couldn’t find homes for all of them.

“They were left in a cardboard box in the freezing weather. They could have climbed out of the box and fallen into the water.

“Derek is 1.8 kilos – he’s the biggest one and Rodney is the smaller one at 1.3 kilos however Rodney appears to be the bossier one. He’s the one with the attitude. He’s the one that’s still got to grow into his ears.

“They have a combined bacterial and fungal infection on their skin – they are not in great nick at the moment. But they will be on antibiotics and will get better.

“They are doing well taking their medication and both being wormed.”

The centre is launching an appeal to help raise £5,000 to buy more kennels and fund veterinary care for the increasing number of abandoned dogs it has to deal with.

Residents can also help by dropping cans of dog food, preferably Chappie, to the centre.

Other dogs abandoned in the last few weeks include a 10-year-old Collie, three Staffordshire Bull Terriers and three crossbreeds. Abandonment of animals is a criminal offence.

For more information call 020 8669 8877 or email info@riversideanimalcentre.org.