THE RSPCA have hit back at claims that they refused to help four Labradors found abandoned in Monmouthshire last month.

The charity were called on the morning of October 27 by Whitebrook resident Nick Jones, who fed and watered the dogs while waiting for help.

Mr Jones said the RSPCA referred him to Monmouthshire County Council as the dogs were “not being harmed”.

He added: “To say I was shocked and dismayed when they simply refused to assist, is an understatement. They were just not interested in helping, I was flabbergasted.”

The dogs were taken away by a council dog warden and were handed over to Four Paws Animal Rescue when nobody stepped forward to claim them.

A spokesman for Four Paws Animal Rescue centre had described the condition of the dogs as “poor” but confirmed they were receiving treatment.

RSPCA Cymru say that the correct procedure was followed as the care of healthy stray dogs are the statutory responsibility of local authorities.

A spokesman said: “The RSPCA has to prioritise cruelly treated and neglected animals and because the dogs found at Whitebrook were thankfully not thought to be sick or injured, they were referred to Monmouthshire County Council. This follows our usual and agreed procedures with councils across the country.

“RSPCA Cymru hopes these beautiful four golden Labradors find loving new forever homes as soon as they are able to do so.”

A Monmouthshire council spokesman said that the local authority has an “excellent working relationship” with the RSPCA.

The plight of the four dogs - a male and female adult and two pups - has been shared thousands of times by Facebook and Twitter users across the UK.

Anyone who has found a sick or injured stray dog is asked to call the RSPCA’s 24-hour Advice & Cruelty Line on 0300 1234 999, which receives more than a million calls every year.