Dozens of dog owners and their beloved pooches rallied together to raise hundreds of pounds for a group of Newfoundlands that were found abandoned and left to die on a rural road in Norfolk.
The group of 50 raised £326 to go towards caring for the nine dogs that were found dumped on a road in Syderstone, near Fakenham, earlier this month.
The RSPCA has since launched an investigation and the Newfoundland Club UK Welfare has offered to help pay for their treatment and rehabilitation.
Support has flooded in for the canines since the incident, including from the team at Centre Paws Norfolk, based in Wymondham.
They organised a charity walk which saw the group of dog lovers flock to Barnards Farm on Sunday October 28 to take part in a three kilometre walk. Half of the dogs who participated were Newfoundlands.
The business hub for all things canine is the brainchild of Kathryn Cross, who owns the land it is situated on.
Mrs Cross, who led the walk , said: 'It was a wonderful gathering of dog lovers who came together because we were all moved by the plight of the Syderstone dogs.
'Those poor dogs have probably never known the joy of a walk in the countryside as their greedy owners have only ever seen them as pound signs, breeding litters from them over and over again in dirty kennels.
'We hope our donation will help in their recovery and that they now find loving homes so one day they too can enjoy life to the full.'
Coffee, bacon butties, and pupcakes were donated by the centre's Blackberry Tearoom. Nature's Menu also donated bags of dog food for the participants.
All of the donations raised will go directly to Newfoundland Club UK Welfare, one of the oldest dog breed clubs in the world. It has offered the RSPCA practical and financial support following the incident.
An investigation continues into who left the animals for dead in Syderstone and it is hoped the dogs will be rehomed soon.
- Anyone with information about the dumpings is asked to contact the RSPCA inspectorate appeal line in confidence on 0300 123 8018.
Timeline: What happened to the Syderstone dogs?
Monday, October 15
- Nine dogs are found dumped on the side of a road in Syderstone at 6.50pm, wandering in the road with bloodshot eyes and smelling, matted fur sticking in clumps to their thin bodies.
- Local residents and drivers rally to rescue the dogs and take them to safety at The Grove Veterinary Group in Fakenham.
- Elsewhere, eight more dogs of similar breeds were found dumped on a road between Nottingham and Grantham in Leicestershire on the same day.
Tuesday, October 16
- The RSPCA are informed and the dog warden is notified.
- The RSPCA issue an appeal for information.
- The Newfoundland Club UK Welfare offers to pay for vet bills and rehabilitation.
Wednesday, October 17
- The dogs are put into the care of the Dogotel at Hillington, where they are cleaned-up and treated where necessary.
Monday, October 22
- Centre Paws Norfolk announces fundraising plans and hosts charity walk on
Sunday, October 28.
- The dogs are currently awaiting new homes
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