Thousands raised to help care for dozens of puppies rescued from 'dire situation' in lorry at Cairnryan

Over £35,000 has been raised to provide care for dozens of puppies rescued from a lorry at a Scottish ferry port.

The Scottish SPCA were called to the port at Cairnryan on January 24 after a member of the public heard crying coming from inside a lorry.

A total of 24 cockapoo and cavapoo puppies were discovered in a “dire situation” confined under the lorry in cardboard boxes and without any food or water.

The charity said the costs of the rescue and the ongoing care of the puppies, that were found to be suffering from severe ear mites and other life-threatening diseases, would be around £25,000.

One of 24 puppies found at a Cairnryan ferry port Supplied

In just three days, the public has donated over £35,880.

An Scottish SPCA spokesperson said: “A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed! While we’ve achieved this milestone, our mission doesn’t stop here. Sadly, this isn’t an isolated incident.

“To continue our fight against the low-welfare puppy trade and those smuggling puppies into the country, we’re keeping our crowdfunder open. Your donation will help us be there for all animals in need of rescue.”

In launching the appeal, the charity said that the cost to care for the puppies would be “nearly half of what it costs to run the Society every day”.

The puppies will be receiving ongoing care until they are well enough to be rehomed.

Donations to the fundraiser can be made here.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact the SSCPA confidentially on 03000 999 999.