THESE abandoned puppies won't be for Christmas - but you could take the decision to give them a home for life.

The playful pair are now being cared for by staff at Newport's RSPCA Animal Centre. But yesterday they were found shivering and frightened by a fisherman at Lliswerry Pond. They had been abandoned in the pond in a black plastic bag.

The fisherman took the eight-week-old pups - now named Joseph and Jacob - to the animal centre.

Staff are keen to hear from anyone with information about who left them, or anyone interested in giving them a home.

Although the centre will not be rehoming them before Christmas Day, it is currently open for anyone interested to go along and see them.

Centre manager Vicky Whiteman said yesterday: "A gentleman came in and said he had been fishing by Lliswerry Pond when he heard a noise and saw the black bag. "He looked inside and saw the two puppies and brought them straight down to us. He was appalled and we were appalled.

"They've got a little bit of a skin condition, but nothing too serious. "They look like a Labrador cross and are in very good condition. It doesn't make sense. "If anybody knows anything about who left them, we would like to hear from them. "We would also like to hear from anyone who wants to take them in."

The centre will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Thursday, December 27. * You can contact Newport Animal Centre on 01633 412049.