AN underweight puppy has been found abandoned in a cardboard box on the side of the road near Porthmadog.

A driver, who was travelling out of Porthmadog towards Criccieth on Saturday evening (January 13), made the shocking discovery after spotting a moving cardboard box on the verge of a small roundabout.

The passer by stopped to investigate and found a five to six month old female crossbreed, possibly a Staffordshire bull terrier cross type dog, inside.

He then took the dog back to his home where she was given food and warmed up.

RSPCA inspector Mike Pugh said: “The caller found the box soaking wet and there were no provisions for the dog inside so it has been suspected the box may have been thrown out from a vehicle.

“This poor puppy is very underweight, weak and also has a skin condition. After collecting her I took her to the vets and she has been responding well to treatment. We’re really grateful to the passer by who found her and took her home.”

The puppy - who has been nicknamed Esme - has now been taken to RSPCA Bryn y Maen Animal Centre and has already perked up following her ordeal.

Deputy manager Mel Kermode said: “She is a gorgeous little thing who must have been through a lot. She’s now getting the TLC she deserves and should really flourish.”

After some time of recovery Esme will be made available for rehoming.

If anyone has any information about this puppy about this please contact us on 0300 123 8018. Calls are in confidence.

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit: www.rspca.org.uk/give