RSPCA calls for help finding puppy basher

A puppy has died after a brutal bashing in Canberra, but his eight brothers and sisters found with him in a box are being nursed back to health.

Nine puppies aged about five weeks were taken to the RSPCA on Tuesday after they were found in the city's north.

One had such horrific head injuries he was put down immediately, RSPCA ACT said in a statement.

"This puppy was struck by an unknown object which crushed his skull," it said.

The others are being cared for by vets and kennel staff, a spokesman said on Wednesday.

The RSCPA is calling for information about the incident.