4:26pm Thursday 9th July 2009
© Press Association 2011
A dog was tied to a tree and abandoned as it went into labour, the RSPCA said.
The brindle Staffordshire bull terrier had already given birth to one puppy when she was seen by a member of the public in the middle of a green in Cranleigh Gardens, Bridgwater, Somerset, on July 1.
The two-year-old bitch and her puppy were taken to the RSPCA West Hatch Animal Centre, near Taunton, but she gave birth to her second puppy in the car in the centre's car park.
Olive, as she has been named by RSPCA staff, then gave birth to another five puppies inside the animal centre.
Olive, and her pups, three males and four females, are doing well and will be rehomed.
RSPCA chief inspector John Pollock, who is leading the investigation, said: "I have made visits to the area where this poor creature was found and have put up abandonment notices, but so far we have had received no information.
"It is incredibly lucky the dog and her puppy were found and taken to safety as anything could have happened to them out in the open and if there had been complications with the birth she would have needed urgent veterinary treatment.
"Regardless of the circumstances, there is never any excuse to abandon an animal and, if people have pets which they cannot look after for whatever reason, then help and advice is available from a number or organisations, including the RSPCA."
Anyone with information about the dog is urged to contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.
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