A MAN walking his dog saved five abandoned puppies when he spotted them escaping from a cramped cardboard box.

The six-week-old cross-breed puppies were found next to a busy road in Tynevale Terrace, Lemington, Newcastle, last Wednesday.

They had been squashed into the flimsy cardboard box and two had escaped onto the pavement.

Inspector Sue Craig, who rescued the animals, said: "These little dogs were just metres away from a busy road and could easily have scampered out in front of a car.

"They are too young to be away from their mum, and by the time they were discovered by a member of the public, they were shivering from cold and fright.

"Abandoning these little pups was a callous and cruel thing to do.

"If anyone knows who was responsible, I would urge them to contact the RSPCA immediately."

Inspector Craig, who joined the RSPCA in Yorkshire and the North-East two weeks ago, warned that if the culprit was found and sufficient evidence could be gathered against them, they would be prosecuted.

She said the puppies had been checked by a vet and were being now cared for at West Farm, in Pontelan near Newcastle.

"Staff there have named them Jennifer, Jess, James, Jay and Jake, and they will be re-homed once they are old enough," she said.

Anyone with information should contact the RSPCA on 08705 555999.