An investigation has been launched by the Scottish SPCA into the death of four puppies that died shortly after being dumped outside an animal home in a cardboard box.

A fifth dog survived and is being cared for by staff at the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home (EDCH) where the animals were discovered on Sunday.

Four severely injured puppies were discovered in a cardboard box in a lane next to the EDCH on Seafield Road East in the north of the city at 1pm with another found alive nearby, the Scottish SPCA said.

He has been named Soldier because he was found on Remembrance Sunday.

It is believed that all five were from the same litter of terrier-type crossbreeds and aged around five to six weeks.

Scottish SPCA inspector Emma Phillips said: "Soldier was the only puppy to have escaped serious injury and he appears to be doing well despite the horrific circumstances he and his littermates were found in.

"The puppies were clearly in urgent need of medical attention and should have been taken straight to a vet rather than being dumped outside in a box.

"A post-mortem examination has revealed that three of the puppies sustained skull fractures caused by a blunt instrument while one other puppy had chest injuries, again consistent with blunt force trauma.

"All four of the dead puppies had internal bleeding and were caused suffering prior to their death."

The member of EDCH staff who found the box of puppies saw two men in a silver car nearby. One was seen walking back towards the car before he got in and the pair drove off, the Scottish SPCA said.

"We are very keen to speak to these people, or anyone else who was in the area at the time of the incident," Ms Phillips added.

The incident is being treated as a case of severe animal cruelty by the Scottish SPCA and an appeal for information has been issued.

Causing an animal unnecessary suffering and abandoning an animal are offences under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.

Anyone found guilty of doing so can expect to be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period or life.

Anyone with information is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.