A KINDLY animal lover has given temporary home to seven new-born pups dumped in a cardboard box and left to die.

The seven black pups' umbilical cords were still wet and bleeding when they were discovered by a passer-by at Iveston Lane, Delves Lane, near Consett, on Wednesday night.

Their plight so moved Sunderland woman Wendy Finch that she decided to take them in - despite already housing seven other dogs and six cats.

Mrs Finch, of Cooper Street in Roker, said that Durham Constabulary often called her up to take in abandoned animals, and she did not have the heart to turn them away.

She said: "Whoever did this is sick. It is an utterly callous act. This kind of thing happens a lot and I have to say that nobody seems to care any more.

"My main concern is for the bitch who gave birth. What happened to her? Somebody must know."

Mrs Finch is looking for responsible people to take a dog or cat. She can be contacted on 0191-514 0635.

Durham police wildlife officer sergeant Eddie Bell has appealed for information which might help trace the dogs' owner. Call Consett police station on (01207) 504204.