Dog charity MADRA has issued an urgent warning to those looking to bring a puppy into their homes this year.
It comes after the charity, which stands for Mutts Anonymous Dog Rescue & Adoption, appealed to the public last week after a litter was ‘left to die’ without their mother.
Taking to social media, the organisation explained that there are ‘lifelong’ consequences of separating puppies from their mothers when they are too young.
A spokesperson said: ‘If you are bringing a pup into your home, please thoroughly research and scrutinise where your pup comes from to ensure your pup has not been separated from his/her mum too young.
‘It has lifelong consequences physically and behaviorally.’
According to MADRA, a puppy which has been taken from its mum too young may develop poor impulse control, toilet training issues and resource guarding among other serious issues.
The dog might also grow up to be constantly anxious and fearful, and the owner may experience difficulties in training them.
‘An ethical/responsible breeder will always put the welfare of their dogs first and will never allow pups to leave before at least 8 weeks,’ the charity added.
According to them, this is because the most important development in a puppy’s brain takes place between six to eight weeks, and they learn a lot by growing up with their mothers and littermates.
Meanwhile, the charity has given an update on the four puppies that were dumped outside their kennels last week but were brought to them by two cyclists who found them on the side of the road.
Sharing a video of the pups desperately crying out, they said: ‘This is the heartbreaking sound of the poor pups who were so cruelly dumped near our kennels last week & removed from the safety of their mother much too soon.
‘They cried non-stop as they were confused, scared, cold, hungry & upset. How anyone could do this we cannot even begin to understand and we haven’t been able to stop thinking of their poor Mum who will be completely broken having her pups snatched away at such a young age!
‘Yes, they were lucky that they were found & brought to our care, but what they need at their age is their Mum. Human love and care is no substitute for a Mother’s care at such a crucial stage in their development & it’s devastating for all involved.’
The puppies — three boys and a girl — have been named Sióg, Dílis, Misneach, and Bród.
The charity urged anyone who has information about where the puppies came from to get in touch with them ‘in complete confidence’ on 0851007065.
