An Adelaide woman has been left shocked to find five tiny puppies abandoned in the cold on the side of a remote road.

Clare Oakey and her partner were on their way to do their weekly shop when they stumbled across the 12-week-old litter on Baker

Road at Lewiston on Tuesday evening.

“We just came across this little bundle of ears and eyes and at first we thought ‘are they fox pups or something’,” Oakey said.

An Adelaide local has been left shocked to find five tiny puppies abandoned in the cold on the side of a remote road. Clare Oakey and her partner were on their way to do their weekly shop and instead stumbled across the 12-week-old litter on Baker Road at Lewiston on Tuesday evening.

Clare Oakey and her partner were on their way to do their weekly shop and instead stumbled across the 12-week-old litter. (9News)

“To think that someone had dumped such small, innocent creatures on such a cold night on a dark night where they might not necessarily have a chance at getting found was really disheartening.”

The couple took the five puppies home.

While whoever is responsible remains a mystery, abandoning an animal in South Australia is a serious offence, attracting a fine of up to $20,000 or up to two years in jail.

“It was lucky that they were rescued by the people but we would encourage anyone in a position where they cant look after their pet to ask for help,” Andrea Lewis from the RSPCA said.

The litter is now in the care of adoption agency Scruffer Lovers.

The boxer-cross sisters are looking for far more caring forever homes.

“I don’t know how people can abandon them on a road or anywhere, but they are females, maybe they couldn’t find a home, maybe they just couldn’t afford to look after them any longer,” Kylie Bennier from Scruffer Lovers said.