Dumped: seven pups of Christmas

Found in a cardboard box on London Bridge, seven puppies were among the first pets to be dumped this Christmas season.

They were saved from freezing to death when a passer-by heard their cries. They were taken to the RSPCA's animal hospital in Putney and transferred to Battersea Dogs' Home after treatment.

Two of the nine-strong mongrel litter died from exposure but the rest are doing well. Veterinary nurses feed them every three hours.

Head nurse Lesley Faulkner was shocked by their treatment. She said: "Even if someone felt the need to abandon them, it is a shame the owners didn't wait until the puppies were weaned at three or four weeks. They would have stood a much better chance." A spokeswoman for the RSPCA said: "If you are given a pet you don't want this Christmas, don't just dump it."