Puppies found abandoned in sealed box

The team named the puppies Tilly Norah and Stanley Jones

Two puppies were found abandoned in a sealed cardboard box, as the cost of living takes a toll on rescue centres and pet owners.

RSPCA Brent Knoll Animal Centre in Somerset took the dogs in, who were just a few weeks old, after they were found by a member of the public at a roadside in Burtle on 5 July.

The rescue centre now hopes it has found the puppies - renamed Tilly Norah and Stanley Jones - a new home.

Andy Cook, from RSPCA Brent Knoll, said: “This is a particularly busy time of year and we’re seeing an influx of animals like Norah and Jones coming into our care."

He added the puppies were "sweet, albeit noisy".

The dogs are believed to be multi-crossbreeds, possibly Lhasa Apso, Yorkshire Terrier, and poodle types, BurnhamOnSea.com reported.

The puppies were found in a box by the side of the road

Mr Cook said: "We have so many animals in our care with so much love to give, they just need a chance.

“We understand that some owners may be struggling to care for their animals but we’d urge anyone in need of help to please reach out and not to abandon their pets."

The RSPCA said it had seen a rise in animals coming into its centres as the cost of living crisis was seriously impacting animal owners.

It said the cost of pet food and vet bills was particularly impacting people.

And the crisis is also hitting the organisations which take in abandoned pets, the charity said.

'Welfare crisis'

Dr Samantha Gaines, head of the RSPCA companion animals team, said: "Our food bills have soared, our energy bills to keep the lights and heating on in our centres have also rocketed, and animals are staying with us for longer as fewer people are adopting, which means spaces in our centres are becoming available less often and we need more and more private boarding spaces.

"It’s quickly becoming a serious welfare crisis.”

Anyone who finds an abandoned animal has been advised to take them to the vets to ensure they get the quickest care possible.