TWO PUPPIES were dumped in a shoebox on the doorstep of a Basingstoke home.

The incident took place in Beggarwood, at 9pm on Tuesday, January 8.

A member of the public heard a knock on their front door and opened it to find the two seven-week-old pups.

A female black terrier pup was inside a Timberland shoe box on the doorstep, and the tan and black puppy was standing by it.

The puppies were cared for overnight and then collected the next day by the RSPCA. They both had hair loss and a skin condition that is thought to be mange.

The black puppy also had discharge coming from her eyes.

Inspector Jan Edwards said: “Luckily these puppies were found quickly so they were still fairly warm but they were quiet and no doubt stressed by their ordeal.

“Where there were left is on a street which is close to a parade of shops and a car park so we are hoping someone may have seen the person responsible.

“Abandoning animals is cowardly and totally unacceptable and I would urge anyone with information about the person involved to please come forward.”

Anyone with information can contact the RSPCA cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.