THE RSPCA has launched an investigation after a puppy – thought to have been thrown from a van – died in Coventry around 10.20am last Thursday, February 11.
The incident, involving the terrier-type dog who was around eight weeks old, happened on Aldermans Green Road, near Parrots Grove and outside The Old Crown Pub.
A woman noticed something in the road after a vehicle swerved to avoid an object so she ran over and discovered it was a puppy.
She lifted the poor pup in her arms and wrapped him in her coat as temperatures were below freezing.
She said he was not moving and heard him make a noise when she picked him up but sadly believes he died in her arms moments later.
The woman, who does not want to be named, said she thought it was a cat which had been hit by a vehicle.
“When I ran over to see what happened I realised it was a small puppy – he wasn’t there earlier as I would have noticed him.
“I wrapped him up tightly in my coat as it was a freezing morning and I heard him make a noise so think he was alive at that point.
“I took him to a nearby house and wrapped him in towels and used heat pads to warm him up but sadly I realised he had probably died in my arms.
“The poor puppy smelt really bad so I guess he had not been kept in good conditions.
“I just feel so saddened by what has happened to him. It was terribly upsetting and I don’t understand how anyone can do something so cruel.”
RSPCA animal rescuer inspector Ben Jones has urged anyone with any information to get in touch.
He said: “It appears this poor puppy was callously thrown from a vehicle like a piece of rubbish into the middle of a road on a freezing morning.
“There were no other signs of injury on his body.
“At this stage no-one actually saw the puppy being thrown from the car although there is some CCTV footage that shows a white van slowing down shortly before he is found.
“I am keen to trace any further witnesses to the incident of anyone who may know who this puppy belonged to prior to this incident as he was not microchipped.
“It is an horrific act which has obviously upset those kind people who went to help this poor puppy so I am keen to find those responsible.”
Anyone with information should call the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018.
