Credit: RSPCA/Cover Images Seven adorable puppies have been rescued alongside their heroic mother after she was hit with a hammer while trying to protect her young. Roxy was found by South Yorkshire Police with a head wound at a property in the Doncaster area after her owner admitted hitting her with a hammer. Police officers seized the dogs and contacted the RSPCA Doncaster and Rotherham Branch, who were able to arrange urgent veterinary attention for the mum and offer her and her babies a safe and warm environment where they could be cared for. The pups - all Bulldog-cross types and aged about five weeks-old - have been named Blue, Duke, Edward, Maria, Melody, Piper and Ruset. It is hoped they will soon be able to go to foster-to-adopt homes, while it may take a little longer for Roxy as she needs to recover from the head injury she obtained guarding her pups. Daniel Cartwright, Branch Manager, said: “Our centre received a call from the police asking us to urgently take in the mum and pups after they had been made aware the mum had been involved in a beating incident involving a hammer and in need of some urgent medical attention for a head wound. “When they first arrived Roxy was in much need of some reassurance and care. She had a nasty wound to her head where her previous owner had beaten her while she was guarding her pups. “As you can imagine, Roxy has found it difficult to trust people, but she has been making great progress. Her pups are thriving, and she has now received the veterinary treatment she needed and is certainly feeling better. “We hope to put the pups up for fostering in the next few days with owners who would be keen to adopt - but it may take a little longer with Roxy as she still has the head wound and we want to make sure she is comfortable.” The latest intake of puppies comes as the branch revealed last week how they had taken in seven young dogs that were left abandoned outside the gates of the centre during horrific storm conditions on 15 November.