RSPCA investigating after five-week-old German shepherd puppy abandoned in Seven Kings Park dies

A five-week-old puppy has died after being abandoned with its littermate in an east London park over the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend.

The two five-week-old black and tan German Shepherd puppies were left in a box in a park by the cricket pitch at Seven Kings Park, Goodmayes, on Sunday, June 5.

One puppy later died and the other - which has been named Truffle - is now being cared for by the RSPCA, before finding a new home.

It comes after the RSPCA warned of a rise in pets being abandoned as the cost-of-living crisis hits owners, leaving thousands unable to afford their animals’ food or care.

Now the charity is investigating in the hopes of tracking down whoever abandoned the animals.

RSPCA inspector Philip Heyes said: “A passerby discovered the two tiny pups inside a cardboard box dumped in a hedge at the park while he was watching cricket nearby.

“He heard a noise and went to investigate. The puppies are only around five-weeks-old and both were very weak and sick.

“He contacted us and went back to the park to check on them but, sadly, the second puppy had already died.

“When I went to collect them the male was collapsed on top of his dead sibling; it was heartbreaking.”

He continued: “I rushed the surviving pup to our veterinary hospital where he was given emergency treatment. He’s still on a drip and is receiving round-the-clock care.

“Thankfully his temperature has come down and he’s starting to eat on his own so I really hope he pulls through.”

Philip is now investigating who is responsible for abandoning the vulnerable puppies.

“I’d like to speak to anyone who knows where these puppies have come from or who may have seen anything suspicious in the park on Sunday afternoon,” he added.

“If anyone has information that could assist with our enquiries please call our appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

“These pups were too young to be separated from their mother and were clearly not in a good way so to abandon them to fend for themselves is awful.

“I’m now concerned about their mother and any other littermates who could also need veterinary treatment.”

Truffle will stay at the hospital until he is better and already has a potential home lined up.

To see all of the dogs in RSPCA care who are searching for new homes please visit www.rspca.org.uk/findapet.

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing and rehoming animals in desperate need please visit our website or call our donation line on 0300 123 8181.