FIVE tiny puppies have been found in a box dumped in a field.

The RSPCA is now investigating and is urging anyone with information about the two-week old German Shepherd crosses to come forward.

They were found by a dog walker near Northern Way, Southwick, in Sunderland, at lunchtime on Tuesday.

RSPCA Inspector Helen Nedley said: “The puppies are tiny and still have their eyes closed.

“They’re far too young to be away from their mum and to abandon them in a field is completely unacceptable. They wouldn’t have survived for long on their own.”

The man who discovered the puppies took them home before taking them to the animal welfare charity.

Staff have named the pups, three girls and two boys, Belle, Casey, Diefer, Kiefer and Mason and the branch manager took them home overnight to provide the round-the-clock care they need, including feeds approximately every two hours.

Insp Nedley added: “It could have easily been a tragic outcome if they hadn’t have been discovered by this passer-by.

“To abandon them like this is disgraceful.”

  • Anyone with information can call 0300-123-8018