Nova Scotia SPCA investigating animal cruelty over abandoned pups

The Nova Scotia SPCA is investigating a case of animal cruelty after someone abandoned a box full of puppies in a parking lot along the Trans-Canada Highway in Heatherton, N.S.

There were seven puppies in the box:five females and two males.

A Good Samaritan was walking along the road when they noticed the box.

"They could hear some puppies crying coming from inside of it, or what sounded like puppies from inside the box," SPCA investigator Joanne Landsburg said.

She said the puppies, which were no more than a few hours old when they were discovered, are being fedmilk-replacement formula.

"They're being fed around the clock so we're hoping that they will do OK without their mum but of course it would be better if they had their mother," she said.

"Hopefully they'll do OK."

Adoption in 12 weeks

Landsburg said if the puppies survivethey'll be spayed, neutered and offered up for adoption in about 12 weeks.

Landsburg said the SPCA would like to find the mother and the person who abandoned the puppies. They hope anyone with information will come forward.

Landsburg said rather than abandoning newborn animals, people can bring them to the SPCA, no questions asked.

"There's really no need for anyone to leave them on the side of the road.It's inhumane and we'll take care of them for them," she said.