THE RSPCA is appealing for information after four small puppies were callously dumped on a doorstep.

Two of the four lurcher-type puppies died after they were abandoned on the doorstep of an off-duty police officer in Bere Regis.

The Dorset Police officer heard a loud bang at his front door at 1.30am on Tuesday and found the puppies crammed into a small white cage covered with a white towel.

Three were whimpering but one larger brindle-coloured puppy was very still and silent. The police officer took the puppies to a local vet who confirmed the larger puppy was already dead.

The other three, a white male and two brindle-coloured females, were dehydrated and very distressed. The white puppy was too ill to make it through the night and died at the vets.

RSPCA inspector Graham Hammond said: “To dump such small and defenceless animals in this way is despicable. They were just given no chance and it is lucky that they were left on the doorstep of such a caring family, otherwise they may have all died.

“The two surviving brindle puppies will be cared for by the RSPCA temporarily but the police officer and his family plan to adopt them permanently so they will thankfully have a much better future with loving owners.

“We’re very grateful to him for his swift action in getting care for these small dogs.”

Anyone with information or who knows who may have had a litter of similar puppies should contact the RSPCA appeal line on 0300 123 8018.