Newborn puppy dies after being found in bag by lake

The RSPCA said the puppy was found in bushes at Wolfie Pond on 25 October

The RSPCA has appealed for information over a newborn puppy that died after being found abandoned at a fishing lake in Derbyshire.

A passer-by found the female greyhound puppy, which was thought to be between 48 to 72-hours-old, at Wolfie Pond in North Wingfield, Chesterfield, on 25 October.

The dog was found by bushes inside a pink reusable-style bag full of kitchen paper, the RSPCA said.

The member of the public rushed the puppy to a vet, where she received care but died hours later without any visible injuries.

'Deeply concerning'

The RSPCA said it was contacted due to the "suspicious nature" of the incident.

The puppy's body was seized as evidence by the police and passed back to the animal welfare charity.

Animal Rescue Officer Vanessa Pardin said: "To leave any animal like this is deeply concerning, but this little one would have been particularly vulnerable because of her young age.

"We're also worried about the welfare of the puppy's mother and other offspring she may be nursing.

"We are asking the public to contact us urgently with any information which could help move this investigation forward."