Image source, RSPCA Cornwall Branch
These puppies were recently surrendered to the RSCPA center in Cornwall, but have now been rehomed
The Cornwall RSPCA says there has been an alarming increase in the number of unwanted and abandoned puppies in the county.
The St Columb Major rescue center said it had seen a total of 54 puppies in 2022, compared to just one in 2020.
In the first two weeks of 2023, staff reported having 11 puppies.
The charity has launched an appeal to discourage people from breeding dogs, saying local rescue centers are overwhelmed.
Staff at the center said they were disheartened to have to pick up the pieces of irresponsible breeding.
The self-funded Cornwall rescue center said it had been inundated with requests from the public and veterinarians to help with unwanted and abandoned puppies, as well as puppies forming part of cruelty investigations.
They say puppies are placed in their care for a variety of reasons, with some owners unable to care for them due to the cost of living crisis.
Image source, RSPCA Cornwall Branch
The owner of these collie puppies could no longer take care of them
Chief executive Emily Bowen said people were breeding puppies in the hope of generating huge profits, as happened during lockdown. She said the situation had changed and many breeders were no longer able to sell their puppies.
She added: “We implore dog owners to stop breeding their pets.”
Ms Bowen said that in the past it would have been rare for such young dogs to come into the care of the RSPCA, but it was now an everyday occurrence.
She said it was becoming increasingly difficult to find suitable homes for puppies as people struggled with the cost of living.
The centre, which is not funded by the RSPCA, reminds people that a puppy is a huge responsibility, lasting around 10 to 15 years.