Council compliance officer Phil Hindmarch found the dog and her four tiny puppies abandoned in long grass after heavy rain on Sunday January 6.

Last week Mr Hindmarch was happy to announce the family was doing well.

"We've found a home for the mum with a lovely lady and the puppies will go to a pet shop next week," he said.

Mr Hindmarch found a home for the mother dog after he invited one of his colleagues, senior weeds officer Marianne Anderson, to visit the dogs.

It was love at first sight.

"I had no intention of taking one of them home with me but then when I saw the mother she was just a gorgeous little thing, so quiet and gentle and couldn't resist," she said.

Mrs Anderson is welcoming the mother dog, now named Ruby, into a family that already includes a canine member.

"I've already got Bella, she's a rescued retired sheep dog," she said.

As to the person or people responsible for dumping the little family, Mr Hindmarch said he had received leads from two separate parties following his plea for information following the incident.

The lead is being followed up and the person or people responsible for dumping the dogs will face penalties.

"I can't imagine being cruel to an animal, especially one with puppies, it's disgusting, heartless and cruel," said Mr Hindmarch.