Published: Tuesday, 1st December, 2009 2:00pm

Puppies abandoned outside church

by Claire Amber Young

IN SAFE HANDS: Allison Black with the cute mongrel pups. Now she is desperately trying to rehome them in time for Christmas. Picture: George Munro

A HEARTLESS dog owner abandoned six tiny mongrel puppies on the doorstep of a church in Port Glasgow.

The beautiful pups were dumped in the freezing cold in a damp cardboard box outside St Francis' Church on Friday night.

A member of the public spotted the tiny dogs, which had been left alone in the dark, and called Inverclyde animal expert Allison Black for help.

Allison rushed to rescue the pups, all between five and seven weeks old.

Now she is desperate to find loving, permanent homes for them in time for Christmas.

Allison said: "I hope whoever did this has a rotten Christmas. I'm disgusted by it. It's made me so angry. The box they were in was damp and they were freezing.

"I can't understand why someone would do this. All they had to do was phone me.

"They must have known that their dog was pregnant. It's completely irresponsible. They are gorgeous wee puppies."

Due to lack of funding and a build-up of vets' bills, Allison has been trying to give up rehoming unwanted pets since the summer.

The animal campaigner still provides advice on lost and found animals but has been phasing out her rehoming duties.

But now finding homes for these tiny pups is her priority.

She added: "I don't believe in rehoming dogs in the run-up to Christmas but I've been left with no choice.

"Please think very carefully before taking on a dog. You must be prepared to spend lots of time and money. It's a big commitment.

"A dog will love you more than it loves itself. You won't get that from anything, or anyone, else."

SSPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn was saddened to hear of the pups being dumped - but accepts it is a regular occurrence at this time of year.

He said: "It's a sad fact that animals are abandoned all year round.

"It is even more heartbreaking in the build up to Christmas, which is one of our busiest times of the year.

"When animals are abandoned as puppies, the likelihood is the owner thought they weren't able to cope. However, there is no excuse for abandoning any animals.

"Abandoning an animal is a criminal offence, punishable with a fine and in extreme cases even a prison sentence."

Allison is eager to hear from caring and responsible dog owners who would provide the pups with loving, permanent homes.

If you can help, please contact her on 637575.

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