Their sad faces tell a story of human betrayal. As a result, dogs of all breeds and sizes have been rejected by their owners.
Owners have noticed that the novelty of keeping a four-legged friend locked down is starting to wear off, much like children who get bored playing with an old toy. There are now thousands of unwanted ‘pandemic puppies’ across the country.
This is the latest group of over 170 dogs to reach one rescue centre. Veteran animal rescue boss Sylvia Van Atta, 62, said: ‘I’ve never experienced anything quite like it. The dog should be kept with you for your entire life.
Veteran animal rescue boss Sylvia Van Atta, 62, said: ‘I’ve never experienced anything quite like it
‘Some cynical people thought there was lots of money to be made by unregistered breeding, because dog prices rocketed during the Covid outbreak.
‘Now the boom is over, we’re paying the price as animals are given up, and inexperienced owners realise a pet is not for them. It’s heart-breaking.’
Many Tears charity, located near Llanelli in Carmarthenshire (South Wales), was recently able to take in 172 dogs and puppies. These were added to her 3,500 rescues annually.
Among the animals at the centre are five little beagles described by general manager Lisa Davies, 25, as ‘miracle dogs’.
Following their mother’s illness, the C-section was performed.
Among the animals at the centre are five little beagles described by general manager Lisa Davies, 25, as ‘miracle dogs’
They were cared for by Mrs Van Atta who woke up every 2 hours to bottle-feed them and check on them. Their mother, who survived, was unwanted by an owner who hadn’t even known she was about to have pups.
This week, after Storm Arwen ripped metal roofing off some buildings at the site and also resulted in the death of a puppy when she became too cold after power was cut, an online appeal raised more than £65,000.
Mrs Van Atta said: ‘When I was told how much had been raised, I just couldn’t believe it. It’s just amazing really.’
There are now thousands of unwanted ‘pandemic puppies’ across the country. Lisa Davies is seen above with two other puppies dressed in Christmas hats.
