A routine drive through Kingston’s Industrial Terrace transformed into a rescue mission for local resident Leon Anderson on Wednesday after he discovered a litter of puppies in imminent danger. The animals were found clinging precariously to the eroding bank of a gully, with several already having fallen into the trench below.
Anderson immediately stopped to assess the situation, realizing that while he could assist the puppies on the bank, those in the gully required professional rescue equipment. His subsequent call to police was met with dismissal, as officers reportedly told him he was ‘wasting their time.’ Undeterred, Anderson contacted the fire brigade, remaining on scene to monitor the vulnerable animals as they faced exposure to garbage, polluted water, and intense heat.
The delayed response culminated in a successful rescue operation by firefighters, who employed a ladder and reinforced cardboard box to retrieve all puppies from the hazardous environment. Anderson expressed particular frustration with the police response, noting that even a referral to emergency services could have accelerated the rescue.
In an unexpected development, Anderson assumed responsibility for the entire litter despite initially planning to adopt only two. His decision was guided by personal principles and his wife’s affection for dogs, with confidence that all puppies would receive loving care in their household.