Four-week-old puppy dies after being dumped next to canal in freezing conditions
A four-week-old puppy has died after being abandoned by a canal in freezing conditions.
The tiny white crossbreed was left with just a box for shelter and ended up with breathing difficulties and fluid on her chest after being dumped in Birmingham last week.
The pup, named Poppy in honour of Remembrance Day, was found in a cardboard box near Five Ways train station by a passer-by early on Wednesday morning, when temperatures plunged to just above freezing.
The concerned man took Poppy home with him and called the RSPCA, who are now investigating how the young dog ended up cold and alone.
Inspector Mark Scargill said: "She was very cold and very weak when she was found and the kind-hearted gentleman took her home to warm her up.
"I went to collect the little pup and took her to the RSPCA's Newbrook Animal Hospital where veterinary staff could care for her."
It was at Newbrook where Poppy was given her name and the full extent of her injuries were revealed.
The hand-sized canine - who was too young to be away from her mother - was x-rayed and examined but died overnight, leaving staff at the farm hospital devastated.
Craig Osborne, the hospital's manager, said: "Poppy had fluid on the chest, urine scalding on her tummy, a low temperature and breathing difficulties.
"Despite treating her with antibiotics and pain relief, all our efforts failed to help her and she died, possibly from pneumonia.
"We are all devastated."
Inspector Scargill is now appealing to anyone with information about where Poppy came from or who may have abandoned her to get in touch.
"Sadly, little Poppy was so weak that, despite round-the-clock care, she didn't make it through the night," Mr Scargill added.
"To dump a puppy outside in the freezing winter weather, with just a cardboard box for shelter, is simply unbelievable.
"Incidents such as this highlight the throwaway attitude that some people have towards animals.
"Poppy was left to die, frightened and alone in the cold.
"You can get in touch by calling our appeal line on 0300 123 8018."
