Chesterfield RSPCA centre is desperately appealing for donations, puppy food and prospective homes after 24 puppies were born there in just one week.

Staff are working round-the-clock to care for two mums - Susie and Kila - and their pups, who were born just six days apart.

Five-year-old Cane Corso Kila arrived at the centre on 1 July after being rescued from Doncaster, by RSPCA officers due to concerns for her welfare. The team had no idea she was pregnant until she went to get neutered at the vets.

Chloe Gee - from the branch - said: “By the time we found out Kila was pregnant, we’d already taken Susie in, knowing that she was expecting.

Four-year-old Susie arrived at Chesterfield on 25 July, giving birth to 10 puppies just three days later, on 28 July.

placeholder image — Four-year-old Susie arrived at Chesterfield on 25 July, giving birth to 10 puppies just three days later, on 28 July.

“When we discovered we would be having two litters we were rather surprised; especially as they were due just a few days apart.”

Four-year-old Susie was rescued with 15 dogs from a property in Barnsley. She arrived at Chesterfield on 25 July, giving birth to 10 puppies just three days later.

Sadly, two passed away in the first few days, despite the very best efforts of the staff.

A third, called Dottie, was hand-reared by the centre manager, Gary, using a new community-funded incubator but, sadly, despite veterinary treatment, she died.

Kila gave birth to a huge litter of 14 puppies; the highest number the centre has ever seen.

Chloe added: “The other seven puppies are doing really well and are starting to get chunky! We believe they may be spaniel crosses as they have the colouring of spaniels.”

The puppies - Ashara, Enam, Fyra, Iki, Otto, San and Una - will be available for rehoming from 22 September so the centre is keen to hear early interest from possible adopters.

Six days later - on 3 August - Kila gave birth to a huge litter of 14 puppies; the highest number the centre has ever seen.

Heartbreakingly, two were born sleeping while two were taken to be hand-reared, meaning the team has been very busy!

Staff at RSPCA Chesterfield & North Derbyshire Branch are working round-the-clock to care for two mums - Susie and Kila - and their pups, who were born just six days apart.

Kila’s puppies - Cedric, Clark, Cornelius, Guinness, Jones, Lorenzo, Lucille, Marion, Roderick, and Sarah, plus the hand-rear pups Billie and Winnie - will all be ready for their new homes from 28 September, so any families who are interested can get in touch now to register their interest.

Chloe said: “Both Kila and Susie are so sweet. They’re such good mums and we’re supporting them as best we can, including the two who are being hand-reared.

“It’s been a really busy time but we’re so proud to have 19 beautiful, wiggly puppies who are becoming cheekier and funnier by the day.

“It’s still touch and go for the two hand-rears but we’re cautiously optimistic!

The Chesterfield branch is also keen to hear from anyone who might be interested in registering their interest to adopt one of the pups - they’ll be ready to go to their new homes at the end of September, as will their mums.

“However, looking after all of the pups has really taken its toll on the whole team and on our funds, so we’d be really grateful to anyone who can help as we nurture these gorgeous families.”

Chloe added: “We’ve got so many wonderful dogs in our care at the moment, all just looking for one thing: a loving, safe home to call their own.”

To help RSPCA Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Branch care for Susie, Kila and their pups, as well as all of the other animals in its care, visit chesterfield-rspca.org.uk/makeadonation to donate.