Labrador puppies in council care and set to be rehomed

If unclaimed, they will be treated as strays and handed to a dog rescue charity for rehoming.

The puppies were found by cyclist Rob Carter on the South Downs Way near Cheesefoot Head at around 8.30pm on Wednesday.

Rob and other cyclists looked after the frightened and hungry pups until they could be taken to the Three Oaks Boarding Kennels at Bishop's Waltham.

Last night they were being cared for whilst city council dog wardens made enquiries but have not shed light on how the canines got to the remote South Downs Way (photo below). They appear to be around three months old.

Six of the puppies on th South Downs Way on Wednesday evening. Photo: Rob Carter

A city council spokeswoman said last night: “Winchester City Council is not aware of where the puppies came from or how they got there and we have found no microchips.

"The dogs are now being properly fed and have been bathed at the kennels.

"They will be coming under council care as stray dogs and, if unclaimed by an owner after seven days, will be taken into the care of a dog rescue charity.”

The police told the Chronicle they have received no reports of puppy thefts.

There was social media speculation that the animals may have been dumped by a puppy farmer, yet the canines would certainly have high value with Labradors currently selling for four-figure sums. Prices of puppies have climbed sharply since the Covid-19 lockdowns.

One person commented on social media: "I will rehome one if needed. This is so sad; how can anyone do that?"

Rob Carter, managing director of Millgate (Winchester), wo found the animals, told the Chronicle: "As you can see these are beautiful Labrador puppies. Some are fox red, others more golden. My suspicion is that these could have been stolen and then abandoned. They were used to human contact but clearly very hungry."

The puppies recovering at Three Oaks Boarding Kennels yesterday

READ MORE HERE: Abandoned Labrador puppies found near Winchester