The RSPCA has been left heartbroken after three puppies were crammed inside a food waste bin and abandoned in a park. It is thought the puppies – believed to be eight-week-old cockapoos – were cast aside by their breeder after “failing to sell”.

They were taken in by the RSPCA’s Leybourne Animal Centre for emergency treatment – but sadly one of the puppies died before arriving at the branch. Inspector Rosie Russon, who is now leading an investigation, said: “A shocked member of the public found the three puppies at 10.30am on Monday shut inside a small plastic domestic food waste bin which had been dumped at Leybourne Lakes Country Park.

“The two surviving pups – one male and one female – were riddled with worms and their prognosis is guarded but we’re giving them the best chance we can and we really hope they pull through.”

The puppies were all microchipped but the chips have not been registered with a database. They were also wearing different coloured cat collars; a typical tactic employed by breeders so they can tell the puppies apart.

Rosie added: “We don’t know where these puppies have come from but we suspect they’ve been abandoned by a breeder after failing to sell; or because they suspected poor health and couldn’t afford the veterinary care they’d need.

“We don’t know when these little pups were abandoned so we’re keen to hear from anyone who may recognise them, know anyone who has bred a litter of cockapoo puppies locally recently, or saw anything suspicious in the area to contact our appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”

The puppies are currently receiving veterinary care and will be moved to an RSPCA centre when they’re stronger.

The charity’s rescue centres are currently full to bursting with animals who have been abandoned, neglected, abused or signed over as their owners can no longer take care of them.

The RSPCA is spending an estimated £26,000 per week on private boarding facilities due to capacity issues at jam-packed centres.

Rosie added: “Worryingly our centres are fit to bursting and we’ve got hundreds of animals waiting to come into our care.

“We’ve seen an increase in animals coming into our care, a surge in abandonments, and a drop in rehoming; all of which we believe is linked to the ongoing cost of living crisis.

“Times are tough at the moment and we’re trying to help as best we can. We’ve launched an online cost of living hub to provide information and advice to pet owners who may be struggling, as well as a hotline people can call if they’re struggling.

“We’re also supporting pet food banks across the country and providing vouchers to access veterinary care where possible.

“But we’re struggling to cope too and we have more and more animals coming into our care so we’d urge owners to please never, ever abandon their pets but, instead, to ask for help. We want to help animals stay in their homes with their loving families where possible.”

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