A ten-week old puppy has found her happy ending after being sold at auction along with her siblings for just £1.88 each. The Collie cross pup was rescued by a local dog lover after being sold at a livestock auction in the “last chance section” at just six weeks old. The pup was brought to Dogs Trust Darlington where she was affectionately named Lottie by staff that nursed her back to health and found her the loving home she deserves.
Hazel Richards from Teeside came across the pups, sold as the last lot of the day, at an auction in Somerset and took the litter of four straight to the vets. Sadly the starving pups were far too young to be separated from their mother and one of the pups passed away. Fortunately Hazel was able to find loving homes for two puppies and handed Lottie, the remaining pup, who needed some extra TLC, to Dogs Trust for rehoming.
Hazel Richards explains “I was working in the area and saw the signs for the auction and thought I would see if I could pick up a chest of drawers. I soon discovered it was a livestock auction but was horrified when the last lot was unveiled as a cardboard box containing four filthy, severely malnourished, six- week old puppies. I couldn’t just leave them so immediately bid on them and bought the box for a meagre £7.50.”
Hazel adds “When I collected the box after the auction I could see the terrible condition the puppies were in, they had been sold as a box of three but tucked at the bottom of the box was the smallest pup, clearly starving with a deformed jaw. I believe that if I hadn’t bid on the lot, the pups would have been put to sleep or worse – returned to the owner who has neglected them in the first place. Luckily Dogs Trust were able to take her in and find her a home.”
Sue Embleton Dogs Trust Darlington Rehoming Centre Manager explains” We were shocked to hear of the circumstances in which Hazel acquired Lottie, it sounds like something which would occur centuries ago. It just highlights how easily puppies are also sold so flippantly in such circumstances and through pet shops and websites. We advise people to buy a dog from a reputable breeder or get a rescue dog so as not to encourage unscrupulous puppy traders who show little regard for welfare.”
Dogs Trust Darlington cares for around 120 abandoned and unwanted dogs at any one time. If you would like to give a dog a home or are interested in rehoming another rescue dog call the Rehoming Centre directly on 01325 333 114 or visit at Hill House Farm, Sadberge, Co Durham, DL2 1SL.
