Four severely ill puppies were found dumped in a washing-up bowl beside a road.

Sadly one of the female pups died overnight after being taken to the vets by a member of the public.

The remaining terrier cross type dogs, aged around eight weeks, are still in a serious condition and remain in RSPCA care after the discovery in Cockmannings Road, Crockenhill, last Wednesday.

Named Victoria, George and Donald they were extremely underweight, dehydrated and full of worms.

RSPCA deputy chief inspector Nicholas Wheelhouse, who is investigating the incident, said: “It is really heartbreaking and frustrating that once again some irresponsible person has just decided to dump young sick animals.

“These pups were so very poorly, and instead of doing the right thing and taking to get veterinary treatment someone has just dumped them down the road.

“Given they were in a washing up bowl which was not enclosed, they could not have been in the area very long as it’s likely they would have run off.

“It’s really upsetting that one pup just wasn’t strong enough to make it through the night, and I thank the vets for all their efforts. We just hope the other three can pull through as well.

“I am appealing for information and I would urge anyone who may know who owns these pups, or saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area to contact me in confidence on the RSPCA inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”