AN abandoned Staffordshire bull terrier was found giving birth while tied to a tree in Bridgwater.

The friendly pooch had just given birth to the first of seven pups when she was spotted by a passer-by in Cranleigh Gardens on July 1.

She was tied to a tree in the middle of a green and as the minutes past it became clear to the passer-by the animal had been abandoned.

The concerned member of the public, who has not been identified, took the new mum and her pup to the RSPCA centre in West Hatch near Taunton.

Staff quickly named her Olive after she gave birth to her second puppy while in the back of the car in the centre’s car park with the rest born inside the building.

RSPCA officers are now appealing for anyone who recognises Olive to contact them.

Investigating RSPCA chief inspector John Pollock said despite putting up notices in the area he has received no information about Olive.

He said: “It is incredibly lucky the dog and her puppy were found and taken to safety as anything could have happened to them out in the open and if there had been complications with the birth she would have needed urgent veterinary treatment.

“Regardless of the circumstances there is never any excuse to abandon an animal and if people have pets which they cannot look after for whatever reason, then help and advice is available from a number or organisations, including the RSPCA.”

Olive is believed to about two years old, and the RSPCA says her pups, three boys and four girls, are doing well and will eventually be re-homed.

Anyone with information is asked to call the RSPCA on 0300-1234999 and leave a message for chief inspector Pollock.