Actress Amanda Bynes has defended her decision to take in a new puppy, less than a week after her previous pet pooch was found dead.

The Hairspray star's four-month-old dog, named Angel, went missing in Los Angeles last week and was sadly discovered lifeless on Tuesday.

Bynes has now taken in a new puppy, called Tiara, to help her "cope with the loss" of Angel.

In a series of posts on her Twitter.com page, she writes, "Thank you guys for all of your messages about little Angel. I got another Pomeranian puppy that I'd like to introduce to you, her name is Tiara.

"For those asking if it's too soon for me to get a new puppy, it isn't too soon. Tiara's helping me cope with the loss of Little Angel. Thank you everyone who understands."