Puppies rescued from lorry with 'life-threatening diseases' get new homes

Dozens of puppies rescued from the back of a lorry at Cairnryan ferry port with “life-threatening” diseases have found new homes.

The SSPCA was called to the port earlier this year after being alerted by a member of the public who thought she heard dogs “crying” from inside a lorry.

Two dozen cockapoo and cavapoo puppies were discovered in a “dire situation” confined under the lorry in cardboard boxes and without any food or water.

One of 24 puppies found at a Cairnryan ferry port Supplied

After being taken to one of the charity’s rescue and rehoming centres for immediate veterinary care, they were found to be suffering from severe ear mites and other life-threatening diseases.

Staff treating the animals worked around the clock to screen the puppies who had a variety of gastrointestinal illnesses due to living in unsanitary conditions.

Six months on from the ordeal, the animal charity has confirmed that every single one of them is “healthy, happy and has been rehomed”.

Following the discovery of the pups, a fundraiser was set to up to help cover the £25,000 costs of their treatment which raised more than £23,000 in just two days.

24 puppies were found in a 'dire state' in a lorry. — 24 puppies were found in a ‘dire state’ in a lorry. SSPCA

The money went to toward helping each puppy, including those with the most serious health conditions like Piper.

Piper had been born with a heart murmur, which had gone undetected through her neglect.

The SSPCA vet team caught the condition and transferred the pup to local vets CrumPets, in Glasgow, who carried out a lifesaving heart operation on the Piper free of charge.

The puppy is now thriving with her new family in Linlithgow.

Mum-of-three Jemma Chessar who adopted Piper, now called Skye said: “Our whole family adore her – she has made our home complete.

“We love going on beach walks and teaching Skye new tricks. She loves every minute of her life.”

Fellow pup Indie, who was named after the Hollywood action hero Indiana Jones, is also flourishing in her new home.

Owner Sharon Davison said: “Indie has bounced in to our lives and stole our hearts.

“My husband and I were very fortunate to be given the opportunity to adopt Indie and he came home with us in February.

“He has settled in so well and is such a lovely natured little furball.

“He loves his snuggles and is very sociable with both humans and other four-legged friends.

“He is massively spoilt and showered in love and kisses.”