AN ADORABLE puppy has suffered a traumatic start to the year after being found tied to a tree in freezing temperatures.

The female German Shepherd cross, thought to be around eight weeks old, was discovered in woods at Shirebrook Close, Newstead, on Saturday. The shivering puppy was found at 3pm.

Now in the care of the RSPCA, the local inspector who collected the dog wants to find out who was responsible for the abandonment.

Inspector Julie Lyons said: "This puppy was lucky to have been found when she was. If she had been out in the cold overnight then her fate could have been very different. She is underweight so has clearly not been receiving sufficient food since birth.

"It angers me that people can be so callous to dump animals and leave them for dead. People must take responsibility for their actions and abandoning an unwanted animal is never an option.

"I would urge anyone who recognises the puppy or who witnessed anything to please contact me. The person responsible for abandoning her has committed a criminal offence and I appeal to the public to help identify them."

The puppy has been named Teasel and is presently in a foster home.

The abandonment comes only three weeks after the RSPCA appealed for information about a sick, emaciated English bull terrier that was dumped in Barks Drive in Norton. This dog is recovering well in RSPCA care.

Calls can be made to the RSPCA national cruelty and advice line on 0300 1234 999.