Heartbreaking CCTV footage shows the moment a callous van driver dumped seven dogs in the street before driving off.
The helpless animals were abandoned in Coventry on December 30.
They are thought to have come from a puppy farm, leading the RSPCA to launch a hunt for the driver.
The driver can be seen in the footage pulling onto the pavement in Yewdale Crescent at around 2.30pm and opening the back door of the van.
They then grab the confused animals and pull them out onto the road before slamming the door shut.
Some of the confused dogs try to dash back into the van as the person quickly shuffles into the driver’s seat before abandoning the panicking animals in the road.
A horrified resident who watched as the incident unfolded contacted the police who managed to capture the animals.
All seven dogs were taken into the care of the RSPCA, where vets found them to be poor condition, with matted coats and skin conditions.
Some of the dogs had been microchipped but their details had not been registered.
Now, the RSPCA is appealing for help to track down whoever dumped them.
RSPCA inspector Vicki Taylor said: ‘The footage is really shocking. To see the poor dogs in such obvious confusion and distress as the van pulls away is heartbreaking.
‘Thankfully, a member of the public spotted what had happened and contacted the police who were able to capture the dogs and bring them to our animal hospital where they are now getting the care they need.
‘The dogs are a mix of different breeds, including spaniels and terriers.
‘We suspect they have been used for breeding because of the condition they are in.
‘All smelt of faeces and urine and most have skin issues. One Yorkie type dog was severely matted.’
The RSPCA has said it is seeing abandonments rise month on month and is braced for a surge of abandoned and neglected animals in the wake of pet ownership soaring during lockdown.
Since being taken in the care of the RSPCA the dogs have been named Bertha, Nelly, Tilly, Dottie, Molly, Bob and Ginger.
Anyone who recognises the vehicle, the dogs, or the person in the footage is asked to contact inspector Taylor via the RSPCA’s appeal line on 0300 123 8018.
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