Puppies abandoned by busy Coalisland road find '˜forever homes' in time for Christmas

In a double-stroke of luck four tiny puppies found by a Coalisland roadside this week have all found their '˜forever homes' just in time for Christmas.

The brothers and sisters, who were reunited at Mid Ulster Rehoming Centre for dogs after being handed in by two good Samaritans in separate drops, are said to be the smallest the kennel has ever had delivered.

And all four of the Chihuahua mix pups, two boys and two girls, have been reserved by people keen to add to their families.

On Monday the kennel reported that the first, was “rescued by a member of the public”.

This tiny pup was found alone by a busy road in Coalisland

“It was sitting on the kerb-side on a busy road in Coalisland,” they said.

“Definitely one of the smallest Strays we have ever had at the kennels. We are guessing about four weeks old.”

After appealing to the public to tell anyone “that has lost a puppy”, they later reported that the little one’s brothers and sister were then delivered in a box.

“Two brothers and sister have arrived this evening in a box,” they said on Monday evening.

“Doesn’t bare to think what would have been the out come of them this wet night.”

If you know anyone who would like to adopt a dog, or has lost one, you can contact Drumbonaway Kennels on 028 8773 8861 or check out www.lostdogsni.com.

And if you see an abandoned or stray dog call Mid Ulster’s Environmental Health Department on 03000 132 132 or email [email protected] during office hours.

The council is responsible for dog control issues, including dog licensing, stray dogs, complaints about barking dogs and dog fouling.

And under the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011, anyone responsible for an animal must ensure its needs are met.

This means domestic pets of any vertebrate species such as cats, dogs, horses and donkeys.

Causing an animal unnecessary suffering is an offence and can be punished with a prison sentence of up to five years and an unlimited fine.

If you need to report a non-farmed animal welfare case during office hours (Monday–Friday, 9am-5pm) you should contact Western Area animal welfare team on 028 8225 6226/ [email protected] as they are responsible for such calls in the Mid Ulster District Council area.