TWO of the seven puppies suffering from neglect and abandoned in Worcester last week have died from malnutrition.

However, the remaining five from the same litter are now thriving in the care of the RSPCA and will go to new homes after Christmas.

The eight to 12-week-old German shepherd/collie cross puppies were dirty and malnourished when they were found in a garage at Rose Avenue, Tolladine.

"They were quite poorly when they came to us," said Pam Booker, the RSPCA's Worcester branch secretary.

"They were very depressed and subdued and had clearly been without proper nourishment.

"Unfortunately, two did not survive, but the remaining five seem to be OK. They are chirping away and eating well."

Evening News readers responded quickly to Friday's appeal for new homes for the abandoned pups.

"The phone rang constantly. A lot of people were just enquiring about the health of the pups.

"Others were offering homes and we are confident we will be able to re-home them all," said Ms Booker.

In the meantime, they will stay in a foster home over the Christmas, while their health is monitored.

RSPCA Chief Inspector Lee Hopgood said he was trying to discover who abandoned the puppies.

"Sadly, this might prove to be another example of someone not realising the level of commitment needed to properly care for an animal," he said.

"However, there is simply no excuse for this sort of behaviour and I would appeal to anyone who might have some information to contact us."

An unexpected litter could have been avoided if the owner had ensured their pet was neutered, he said.

Dog owners should also be aware that they could face prosecution if they allowed their pets to roam freely.

He warned that they should always have charge and control of their dogs in public places.