A NEWBORN puppy found clinging onto life after being abandoned has pulled through the ordeal. The dog is the sole survivor of a litter of six puppies.

All were just days old and very weak when they were found dumped in a paper bag in Church Road, Linton, near Maidstone. Two of the siblings, which were small enough to fit into the palm of a hand, were already dead when they were spotted by a member of the public.

The RSPCA and took the animals to a vet's surgery in Westerhill Road, Coxheath. Their injuries are thought to have been sustained in an attack from another animal after the puppies were abandoned.

Vets kept the tiny dogs warm and fed them with milk substitute but were unable to save a further three which died.

The breed of the puppies is not yet known because they are too young. The surviving puppy, which will need constant care and hourly feeding, has been placed temporarily with foster carers.

RSPCA inspector Jude Hale, who is investigating the dumping of the puppies, said: "It is an offence to abandon animals in this way. They were found in a state of severe suffering, with two of them already dead. There is just no excuse for dumping puppies."

She said that dog owners should have their pets neutered to prevent unwanted litters and that if anyone has animals that they cannot cope with they should contact a reputable animal centre.

Meanwhile Linton Cattery, off Linton Hill, near maidstone, has taken delivery of 10 cats from Grimsby. They have been sent down from the North East in search of new homes. Anyone wanting further details should contact Daphne at the cattery on 01622 891222.