The chocolate and tan terrier-type dog was found wrapped in a towel and left behind bins at the rear of the Co-op supermarket in Snape Hill Lane at about 6.30pm. She was shivering and very thin and was hardly breathing when a member of the public discovered her.

The RSPCA was called and Chief inspector Steve Ford collected the tiny puppy. She was taken to a nearby vet where she was found to be suffering from hypothermia. When the dog had been treated, she was taken to the RSPCA Chesterfield Animal Centre on Spital Lane, Chesterfield, where staff named her Eve.

The discovery of the young dog was made just as the RSPCA announced that more than 50 cats and dogs a day are becoming unwanted in December throughout the country.

The Chesterfield Animal Centre is itself full with dogs, cats and small animals and has been receiving calls from owners wanting to give their pets up before Christmas.

Julie Ward, manager of the Chesterfield branch of the RSPCA, said: "We have started to hear from owners who can no longer care for, or no longer want their pets. Sadly this is a common problem at this time of year and, although some may be genuine calls for help, there are still too many people who just don't want their animals any more.

"We are appealing to people to think seriously before getting a pet, rather than assuming they can get rid of the animal when they tire of caring for it. However, we urge anyone who genuinely cannot cope with the care of their pet to contact us rather than abandoning it."

Chief inspector Ford said: "Eve was very poorly and would have died had she not been found. There is no excuse for leaving an animal to suffer in this way."

Eve will go to live with fosterers over the festive period to help her socialise in a home environment.

Anyone found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal could face a maximum six-month prison sentence and/or a £20,000 fine.

Those with information about where Eve may have come from is asked to contact the RSPCA in confidence on 0300 1234 999.

To visit the RSPCA's website, click here.