THESE five adorable Doberman-cross-Saluki pups are finally looking for loving new homes after a bad start in life.

The pups were in a litter of eight handed in to the RSPCA's Ashley Heath centre on Christmas Eve, by a man who said he could not afford to keep them.

They were only six weeks old when they arrived, and in a poor state, and it's taken over two months for staff to get them in a good enough condition that they can be re-homed.

Some have got homes earmarked already, and it is hoped homes can be found quickly for the remaining five.

One has been named Tiny Tim after staff noticed it had one leg shorter than the others, and a fracture was revealed on an X-ray.

The others are named Bob, Marley, Rizzo and Clara.

Deputy manager Gaynor Cannings said: “We don't normally have people just turn up with animals for rehoming, as most of the animals come through the inspectors.

“But in this case we were so worried about the age of the pups we moved things around to make space for them.

“Several had trouble digesting food, and they were all underweight.

“But now they're ready to find homes.”

To enquire about adopting one of the pups (for which there is a fee of £195 including neutering, vaccinations, microchipping and worming), contact 0300 123 0749. All placements are subject to a home check, which is usually carried out within a week or two.