Six Puppies Die After Horrific Rescue From Cramped Van
Six of 11 puppies found stuffed into plastic bags and a guinea pig cage in a van have died from a deadly virus, the RSPCA has revealed. Police discovered the starving, sick pups in a “steamed-up” van in Carlton, Nottinghamshire, on 2 March after a public tip-off.
Parvovirus Claims Young Puppies Despite Emergency Care
The charity confirmed six puppies succumbed to parvovirus, a highly contagious gut infection that causes dehydration and weakness, despite frantic veterinary intervention. Two puppies survived the virus, while vets managed to stop three others falling ill.
All 11 pups, aged between two and four months, were found in an “appalling state” by officers investigating a foul smell near a house on Apple Walk. No dogs were inside the property itself.
Suspect Released Amid Ongoing Investigation
Nottinghamshire Police arrested a 20-year-old man on suspicion of theft and fraud. He has since been released as inquiries continue. Meanwhile, the RSPCA suspects the puppies were smuggled from Ireland into Nottingham for illegal sale.
RSPCA Urges Crackdown on Puppy Imports
RSPCA manager Ella Carpenter described the heartbreaking rescue: “It was heartbreaking to see the puppies fall so ill so quickly. They were fighting for their little lives and sadly for six of them it was just too much.”
Two cocker spaniels survived after emergency treatment, and three Yorkshire Terriers received preventative care. Four of the surviving five puppies have now been rehomed.
The RSPCA is calling on the government to clamp down on puppy imports amid soaring demand since the pandemic began.
