A person responsible for dumping a litter of newborn puppies has been condemned for a "deliberate act of cruelty".
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The RSPCA is appealing for public information about seven puppies abandoned in a washing basket in Port Pirie, South Australia.
"These puppies were left completely vulnerable, with no food, warmth, or care. Abandoning animals like this is not only cruel but also illegal," RSPCA South Australia head of animal welfare Andrea Lewis said.
"We need the community's help to ensure those responsible are held accountable," she said.
Abandoning an animal is an offence under South Australia's Animal Welfare Act and anyone found guilty faces up to two years' imprisonment or a $20,000 fine, the RSPCA said.
Similar laws exist in Australia's other states and territories.
A member of the public found the basket of puppies on the corner of Geddes Road and Warnertown Road at 7am on February 17.
The two-week-old puppies were taken to the Port Pirie Regional Council where "essential round-the-clock care" was organised with RSPCA foster carers.
The exact breed of the puppies is unknown but the RSPCA believes they are Kelpie or Staffordshire Bull Terrier crosses.
The puppies will be available for adoption when they are old enough, RSPCA said.
RSPCA South Australia is urging anyone with information to contact the 24-hour cruelty hotline on 1300 4777 22.
Anna Houlahan
Anna Houlahan reports on crime and social issues affecting regional and remote Australia in her role as national crime reporter at Australian Community Media (ACM). She was ACM’s Trainee of the Year in 2023 and, aside from reporting on crime, has travelled the country as a journalist for Explore Travel Magazine. Reach out with news or updates to anna.houlahan@austcommunitymedia.com.au
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