FOUR abandoned puppies that were handed over to Lewisham Council have been taken in by the RSPCA.

On December 14 four cross breed puppies were left in a cardboard box outside New Cross veterinary clinic, the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) in Amersham Vale.

The PDSA handed the four month old puppies over to Lewisham Council.

Kay Foley, from the council’s Animal Welfare Team, has christened the pooches Holly, Chrisse, Pudding and Rudy. The RSPCA has since found space for them at one of their rehoming centres.

Ms Foley said: "The puppies are lovely and it's great the RSPCA has kindly offered to house them for us as many animal shelters are struggling for space at this time of year.

"If anyone has any information about these four puppies then please contact the Animal Welfare Team on 020 8314 2098."

"We'd urge residents not to abandon animals but to make every effort to contact rescue centres for help.

"At this time of year it's really important to remember that a pet is for life, not just for Christmas.

"It's sensible to get them neutered as this reduces the number of unwanted animals. There are plenty of local discounted schemes available."

Dermot Murphy, RSPCA chief inspector for south east London, said: "There is no excuse for abandoning an animal.

"No one should take on a pet unless they have done their research and are absolutely sure that they can look after it properly."

"The RSPCA runs low cost or free neutering and micro-chipping clinics regularly for people on low incomes to help reduce the numbers of unwanted animals and to trace any that go missing."