DUMPED DOGS: RSPCA fears more ill-treated dogs could have been abandoned

RSPCA Inspector Jan Edwards told the Daily Echo that officers were “very concerned” about a repeat of the cruel desertion on roads around Winchester last week.

And she raised fears that whoever is responsible may have further animals at the property which they may well dispose of if they think they are about to be caught.

• SHOCKING photos of dogs dumped in an appalling condition

She said: “If whoever’s responsible has further animals at the property they may well just be worried that the net’s closing. They may dump more.

“It’s something we’ve not ruled out and are still very concerned about happening,” she added.

Insp Edwards said a huge public outcry and media coverage, led by the Daily Echo, had left the culprit with fewer places to hide.

A reward appeal, launched by the Daily Echo as the search to find those responsible was stepped up, smashed its initial £3,000 fundraising target by the end of Friday.

How the dogs were found last week

Last night it was nearing £4,000 after more donations flooded in from well-wishers who want the owner to be found and brought to justice.

Insp Edwards added: “Someone knows where those dogs have come from. You can’t hide nine dogs away and for no one to know where they are – not in this day and age.”

One of the poodle crosses rescued last Tuesday is feared to be suffering from a curved spine, vets said at the weekend.

The young canine, named Kate, is the only dog out of the nine that were rescued who is still being cared for by vets.

Kate after she was brought into the vets

Kate after having her coat sheared off

She is set for X-rays today which could reveal whether her condition was caused by the filthy coat of fur her cruel owner allowed to grow.

Insp Edwards said: “Her body is very hunched up.

"She’s still not eating, she’s still not drinking, she’s still on a drip. She’s not interested – she’s a very depressed dog.”

"The other eight poodles are doing “as well as expected”, she added, and could be playing again soon.

“Some can come around in a matter of days, others can take weeks and weeks – some can have permanent problems.”

The remaining eight pups have been moved to RSPCA kennels, with four in Stubbington, two in Ashley Heath and two near Chichester.

Winchester City Council, still responsible for the dogs and the search for the owner, did not respond to a request for a comment on the investigation or the possibility of more dogs being dumped.

Officers are still urging anyone with information to come forward by calling 01962 840222 or emailing eh@winchester.gov.uk.

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