KENNEL bosses have been inundated with offers to re-home a puppy found at the bottom of a wheelie bin.

The six-week-old mongrel - named Dusty - was nearly thrown out with the rubbish.

It was only by chance that she was discovered at the rear of Donnison Gardens, in Sunderland's East End, before being taken to the safety of West Hall Kennels, Cleadon.

But calls have since flooded in, offering a new and safe home to Dusty.

Sarah Wilkinson, of the kennels, said: "The phone has been ringing off the hook. It has never stopped.

"Everyone is showing an interest - we have even had the television here. Everyone wants to offer Dusty a home."

Animal rights campaigners have criticised the treatment of the puppy, warning that it marked the beginning of the so-called Christmas clear-out, which could see hundreds of unwanted pets dumped.

Ms Wilkinson said: "We are going to make sure she goes to a proper home, not one where the people just want a dog for Christmas.

"We will assess those who called in before deciding on the most appropriate home. We want to find a nice family environment for her."

Dusty will also be micro-chipped with her new owners' details to deter anyone mistreating her.