A NEW-BORN puppy only six inches long has been found dumped in a cardboard box in Orpington.

RSPCA inspector Sonya Gray found the black male puppy, thought to be just a few weeks old, in Stanley Way.

The puppy was found sitting in a Cadbury Mini Animals box.

He was taken to the RSPCA South Godstone Animal Centre in Surrey.

Staff there named him Stanley, a tribute to the road he was discovered in on January 31.

Measuring in at just six inches, Stanley is too small for a kennel, so he is being looked after by a member of staff.

Extra care and attention is required because he was seperated from his mother at such a young age.

Inps Gray said: "This puppy could have died if he had not been found when he was.

"He could have easily have got out onto the road and been run over.

"It is a crime to abandon an animal and people should realise they could face up to six months in prison for doing so."

Anyone with information about who abandoned Stanley should call 0870 5555999.