As the hunt continues for the culprit who dumped nine dogs, generous Daily Echo readers dig deep to raise £3,000

The other eight poodle-cross dogs abandoned near Winchester on Tuesday night are said to be recovering well from their ordeal.

Meanwhile the hunt for the animals’ owner is continuing following worldwide condemnation of the sickening state the dogs were found in.

>>HELP us find the culprit by downloading our Wanted poster and donating to the cause

Shops, businesses and homeowners have backed the campaign by putting up the Daily Echo’s “wanted” posters in their windows.

One of the young canines, named Kate, is seriously ill and may have to be put down, RSPCA Inspector Jan Edwards warned last night.

She told the Daily Echo: “She is still not eating or drinking and is very depressed. She is not well enough to have any sedation for an X-ray and is not able to walk.

“Kate is seriously ill and may have to be put to sleep. That may be an option.

“When David Griffiths, the council animal welfare officer, picked her up she could not walk. She had to be carried into the vet on a blanket with people on either side.”

Kate is being cared for at a local veterinary practice which the RSPCA is not naming.

The other dogs have been named by vets as Sian (the mum), Dave, Faye, Justin, William, Maria, Martha and Mavis.

>>SHOCKING photos of the nine dogs dumped in appalling conditions

Ms Edwards said: “This is the worst case I have ever seen.

Even if just one of these dogs had been found in this state I would be appalled, but to find nine of them all in such a bad way is incredibly upsetting.

Everyone who has seen these dogs, even the vets, are shocked by their appearance.”

She urged the public to come forward with any information about who dumped the animals.

“As always we are reliant on the public to be our eyes and ears so if anyone thinks they may have any information about how these dogs came to be dumped in this sorry state they can ring our inspectorate line on 0300 123 8018.”

The other eight are being taken to RSPCA kennels this weekend including two to The Ark at Stubbington, four at Ashley Heath and two near Chichester.

The dogs soon after they were discovered

Although they are in RSPCA care they are still the responsibility of the city council which is investigating their dumping.

Ms Edwards will meet city council officers on Monday.

Evidence is being gathered and the council is still urging the public to come forward – email eh@winchester.gov.uk or call 01962 840222.

One rescuer believes he could have been minutes from catching the culprit as three dogs were dumped on Morestead Road.

Phil Evelyn, 48, found the traumatised animals at 7.45pm on Tuesday – but says he drove past the same spot 45 minutes earlier and hadn’t seen anything.

The chauffeur told the Daily Echo that the dogs could have reached the road from nearby Warren Farm, but added that they were limping and “walking around in circles”.

“If they were there I would have seen it. When I sawthe first dog... I could have hit it. I thought it was a sheep at first.”

Cllr Jan Warwick, city council environment, health and wellbeing chief, said: “I would like to thank the public and the media for their support in this difficult case. This type of cruelty to animals has no place in our district and we will continue to seek evidence about those who treated the dogs so badly.”

The council has received around 60 calls from the public offering homes and advice, said a council spokesman.

An owner has seven days in which to come forward, after which the dogs become the property of the council. It will be looking to re-home the dogs, something which Ms Edwards does not think will be difficult.

“They are fabulous little dogs,” she said.

DAILY ECHO READERS SMASH APPEAL TARGET

THE plight of nine dogs has touched the hearts of Daily Echo readers with an online appeal last night smashing its target in just over 24 hours.

The money pledged will go towards the care of the dogs who were dumped by Hampshire
roadsides caked in mud and filth.

RSPCA Inspector Jan Edwards was delighted by the response to the campaign which last
night passed the £3,000 goal.

Roderick and Hazel Ross (above), 79 and 77, contributed £2,000.

Ms Edwards said: “That is wonderful, outstanding. I would like to go and see Mr and
Mrs Ross and thank them in person.

“These animals are going to need a lot of ongoing care. I was told one is going to need a
month of antibiotics.”

Meanwhile Purrfectly Pets, in Stoney Lane, Winchester, has joined the campaign after scores of customers raised concern for the dogs.

Manager Megan Brook said: “It’s horrible. I can’t believe it happens in this day and age.

“They deserve to be caught and get what’s coming – the animals deserve better. With all
the charities around there’s no need for it to get to that stage.”

Sue Wilkinson, secretary of the Southampton and District Canine Association, said: "The organisation would throw its weight behind the fundraising appeal.

“It’s truly appalling. I think anybody who has any feelings for dogs would be angry and shocked by this.”

Steve Brine Winchester MP said: “Like everyone I am sure, I was just so shocked by those pictures. We need to bring whoever is responsible to justice swiftly, for the pups involved and to send the clearest possiblemessage to others.”

If you want to make a donation you can log on to justgiving.co.uk/ DumpedDogsAppeal and
give whatever amount you want.