Canterbury's SPCA has put out an urgent call for information after eight puppies have been found dead.

The bull mastiff cross litter was found in a rubbish bin at Ashburton's Mona Square this morning.

It's believed they were just a few days old, and SPCA staff believe they may have frozen to death last night.

Centre Manager Rebecca Dobson says they are heartbroken and angry.

She says they would've helped the owners if they'd come forward.

The SPCA inspectorate say they're hoping to find the pup's mum, who will be traumatised and is at risk of developing mastitis.