AN ‘overwhelming’ reaction from the public has followed an appeal to save four golden labradors, found in Whitebook on 27th October.

The Disney-like tale follows the four animals, thought to be a family group of parents and two puppies, that were discovered outside a Whitebrook home early in the morning after the resident dog inside raised the alarm.

Investigating the disturbance at 5am, Nick Jones immediately fed and watered the animals before contacting the RSPCA. But he amongst others have expressed their anger towards the charity for not taking the animals in.

He said: “To say I was shocked and dismayed when they simply refused to assist, is an understatement. They were just not interested in helping, as they said the dogs were not being harmed. I was flabbergasted. When I asked what I was supposed to do next, they told me to ring Monmouthshire County Council, which I then did. By contrast they were fantastic and the dog warden came to collect them the same day”.

Thousands of dog lovers responded from across the UK to a Facebook and email appeal campaign to find the origins of the bedraggled and exhausted dogs, without collars or microchips, and in poor condition, which have still not been claimed. Amongst them, several have reported their concern for the charity’s refusal to respond to stray cases. Others are also questioning whether the dogs could be linked to an earlier RSPCA and Gwent Police raid on a house in Little Mill, near Usk, which happened around 20 miles away two days before the animals were discovered.

One respondent, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “Millions of well meaning animal lovers donate £140 million a year to the RSPCA, believing naively that any animal in distress will be helped by the organisation. However, this is clearly not the case having read numerous very upsetting reports that have been posted on Facebook as this appeal circulated, where the RSPCA refused help or intervention quoting ‘policy’. Its nonsensical and heartless.”

They continued: “A campaign is now underway to lobby this wealthy charity to change these prohibitive policies, or face mass cancellations of donations to their organisation.

“Social media can play a powerful part in bringing about positive change, and the intention is to turn this sad case into a proper happy ending for these unfortunate dogs which is on track now; and for all animals in need of help, by influencing better policy in future”.

Responding to claims, a spokesperson for the RSPCA said: “Regarding stray dogs, the RSPCA unfortunately does not have the resources to collect healthy strays. We urge, however, anyone who has found a sick or injured stray dog to report this to us. Local authorities must provide a dog warden service – and have statutory responsibility for stray dogs.

“RSPCA Cymru officers joined officers from Gwent Police at a property in the Little Mill area on 25th October.

“We continue to work alongside Gwent Police on this matter which remains an active investigation.”

The dogs are currently in the care of independent charity Four Paws Animal Rescue, which works alongside the council’s dog warden service. As the statutory seven days for reclaiming a stay dog has now passed, the four dogs, a male and female adult, and two pups, are being assessed for health issues. Four Paws Animal Rescue has a policy not to destroy any animal.

The dogs are suffering from various conditions including a flea infestation, mange, ear/ eye infections, possible kennel cough, and are being vaccinated.

Their current poor health is being attributed to having being neglected and confined in poor living conditions.

The south Wales charity is funding current veterinary treatment, currently costing in the region of £1,000 so far, and will keep the dogs in quarantine for the time being whilst they recover.

During this time suitable foster homes are being sought for the next stage assessment, before they are matched to the best adoption home applicants.

This could be either together, partly together, or separately, depending on their assessed individual needs which may require one-on-one care, or companionship from other well-adjusted pets already in the home. This process is anticipated to take around two to three weeks.

The charity urge all those interested in making offers of fostering, adopting, donating, or assisting with transport, to visit their website and fill in the online forms at www.fourpawsanimalrescue.org.uk. They also stress applicants for rehoming should not be put off by their published criteria for acceptance, as this is only for general guidance and not a strict policy. Each applicant will be reviewed individually on its merits.