RSPCA appeal to #StopBackyardBreeding after taking in desperately-ill litter of puppies in Northamptonshire

At only four-weeks old, the latest litter of puppies taken in by RSPCA Northamptonshire have had a very hard start to life.

The seven pups now in the care of the charity's branch in Brixworth have all the odds against them.

Their mother is unable to feed them and is unwell herself, and now they also tested positive for Parvo, a canine virus which can be fatal.

But saddest of all is that out of a litter of 13, only seven have survived so far - but the charity is doing all it can to build up the remaining pups and get them healthy again.

The RSPCA is sharing the story of the poorly litter as part of an appeal to stop backyard breeding - the irresponsible breeding of animals, often due to ignorance because a pet cat or dog becomes pregnant after the owner fails to get them neutered.

The puppies were signed over to the RSPCA, and now the pups and everyone caring for them have an uphill battle ahead.

A spokeswoman for RSPCA Northamptonshire said: "We have seen an increase in the purchase of puppies during the current pandemic and would urge people to rescue a dog first or at least give serious consideration to the breeders they select.

"If you're adamant you want to buy from a dog breeder, you'll want to ensure that the puppy you're buying is healthy and happy and that you're not unwittingly funding the cruel puppy trade."

The charity is also asking for anyone who wants to help the puppies out to consider buying them a treat on their Amazon wishlist.Alternatively, the branch is accepting donations to help towards veterinary bills.The RSPCA alsohas a list of tips online for anyone looking to buy a puppy to make sure they are from a responsible breeder.