CRUEL pet owners dumped this seven-week-old puppy from a van. The German Shepherd cross puppy was left at the side of the road near Wimpole Hall. A white Escort van was seen being driven away from the scene with children crying in the back. The black-and-

CRUEL pet owners dumped this seven-week-old puppy from a van.

The German Shepherd cross puppy was left at the side of the road near Wimpole Hall.

A white Escort van was seen being driven away from the scene with children crying in the back.

The black-and-tan puppy was taken to the Wood Green Animal Shelter in Godmanchester, where she has been named Leyna.

Although she appears to be in good health, she was shocked by the experience.

Nigel Mason, head of animal welfare at the shelter, said: "This was an extremely cruel act which could have had horrific consequences had the puppy not been found.

"It amazes me that people can be so cruel and just throw their pets away like rubbish.

"One has to worry about the welfare of children when people display this type of mentality."

Nicola Bacon, communications manager at the shelter, said: "We have had so many people do this lately. We urge people if they can't look after their pets to bring them in."

An RSPCA spokesman said: "There have been a number of cases recently of animals in the area being cruelly treated or abandoned, and both are completely unacceptable.

"To release an animal in an unfamiliar area, particularly as she was only seven weeks old, could have compromised her welfare and she could have run into the road and got hurt."

Anyone with information about the incident or who would like to rehome Leyna should call the shelter on 08701 904090.

Picture: DANIEL WILSON 1650DW