Five abandoned puppies found trapped inside a wooden box with the lid nailed shut left to die in a field have been saved.
Heartless owners dumped the terrified and helpless animals in Swanley before they were discovered by chance and taken in by a Herne Bay charity.
The puppies were found in Swanley in a wooden box with the lid nailed shut. Picture: Guardian Angels Dog Rescue
Thought to be a variety of different breeds, a kind member of the public came across the box while driving through country lanes about two weeks ago.
Christine Recton, founder of the not-for-profit Guardian Angels Dog Rescue, told KentOnline: “We believe they are all from different litters, as they are different sizes and types.
“They are lovely, beautiful dogs and are all safe now and fairly healthy.
“One looks like a cockapoo, and one a shih tzu, so they’re all different breeds.”
While it is not known how old the puppies are, it is thought the youngest is about five weeks old, and the oldest is about nine.
The puppies, found in Swanley, are believed to be from different litters. Picture: Guardian Angels Dog Rescue
Mrs Recton added: “We’re hoping one will be rehomed by the woman who found them.
“It’s hard to tell how old they are, but they’re going to the vet tomorrow.
“They were found by a member of the public who was driving back from London through the back roads and saw the box.
“She had them for two weeks and kept them over Christmas, feeding them milk and high-quality puppy food.”
There was an outpouring of offers to help when a plea was issued for fosterers for the group on social media.
The puppies were found in Swanley and have been taken in by a Herne Bay charity. Picture: Guardian Angels Dog Rescue
They have now all found temporary homes.
Guardian Angels Dog Rescue was founded in 2014 and saves animals with a team of volunteers, before placing them with trusted foster carers and finding permanent placements.