Shock as 11 newborn pups found in dumped turf bag

On Monday evening, the volunteers at Animals In Need (AIN) received a call from a distraught member of the public, who had found a turf bag containing 11 newborn puppies whilst out walking her dog in a remote area of Carrigart.

Sadly, six of the puppies had already died when the bag was found, but the five surviving pups were rushed to AIN.

The pups still had their umbilical cords attached and are collies or collie-crosses.

Tragically, another pup passed away during the night.

Of the four remaining pups, two are very weak but they are in good hands with a fosterer who is very experienced at hand-rearing animals, so fingers crossed that the pups will continue to fight to survive.

The weakest pup has started to drink the special formula milk his fosterer is feeding them now, which is a good sign.

ABOVE: Newborn pups still had umbilical cords attached

As the pups are so young, they will have to be fed every few hours around the clock, which requires a huge commitment from their fosterer.

AIN are concerned for the wellbeing of the mother of the pups, who has had her babies cruelly snatched from her as soon as they were born and presumably, she is still with the person responsible for the callous dumping of her pups.

The volunteers see the effects of cruelty towards animals on a regular basis, but this heinous act has shocked even seasoned animal rescuers.

Fingers crossed that the remaining pups will make it.

There was further upset for the volunteers during the week with the sudden death of Marina, a mother cat to four kittens in an AIN foster home.

One of her kittens also died shortly afterwards and the remaining three kittens are receiving critical care at the vets since Saturday.

There is also good news, as two of AIN’s mother cats, who had weaned their kittens and had been neutered, went to fantastic new homes during the week.

It is always more difficult to find homes for adult cats, so it was a great result for these two ladies.

ABOVE: The surviving pups

AIN also has a number of kittens who are ready to go to their own homes.

All the cats and kittens available can be viewed in the Rehoming Album on AIN’s Facebook page or alternatively, contact the cat helpline for information if you are interested in adding a furry friend to your family.

Kittens are being found all around the county on a regular basis.

The latest arrival, Alicia, was found alone in Glencolmcille on Monday.

Unfortunately, Alicia is seriously ill and is currently fighting for her life, but her fosterer is doing everything possible to save her, with veterinary support.

Alicia’s condition seems to have improved slightly overnight, and hopefully this will continue.

Finally, AIN’s photo competition is now underway.

The charity is open for entries of pet photos for their 2025 fundraising calendar.

The competition is open to every kind of pet - dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, lizards, budgies - all are welcome.

If you have a stunning photo of your pet that deserves a place in AIN’s calendar, please email it to ain2025calendar@gmail.com in a pdf or jpeg file before 31st of August 2024.

There is no limit to how many photos you can enter.

Not only will the winning pictures be featured in AIN’s 2025 calendar, but you will win a calendar featuring your pet.

ABOVE: Sick kitten found in Glencolmcille

All funds raised from the calendar will go directly towards the care of AIN’s rescued animals.

To help AIN’s animals, please donate €2 to AIN’s ‘Help Us To Help Them’ fundraising appeal via your phone by texting the word ‘KITTEN’ to 50300. Every cent goes directly to the rescued animals for their food, bedding, vet bills, worming treatment, and vaccinations.

For further information on adoption, fostering, volunteering etc, please contact the main helpline on 087 1356188. For cat/kitten enquiries please call 087 7644420. Animals In Need Donegal is also on Facebook and has a website at http://www.animalsinneeddonegal.com.