AN ADORABLE Westy puppy - in a poor bill of health - was dumped on a doorstep in Orsett Heath on Halloween.

The white, seven week-old West Highland Terrier, named Tilly, was found soaking wet and shivering inside a taped-up cardboard box by the front door of a house in Badgers Mount, near Grays - where she was probably left overnight.

A passing neighbour spotted the box early on Friday, October 31 and went to investigate, shocked to find the tiny puppy inside in an extremely underweight and poorly state - dehydrated, lethargic, swollen with fluid and suffering from diarrhoea.

The RSPCA was called and Tilly was immediately taken to a vet where she was put on a drip and given urgent treatment.

Matt Gough, RSPCA inspector, said: "It was so sad to see this gorgeous little thing in such a state.

"She was freezing and terrified, and clearly quite poorly. She was extremely thin, and staggering around a bit, so weak that she didn’t seem to be able to use her rear legs.

"The box had clearly been rained on which meant she was sopping wet, I think it is likely she had been stuck in it out there for most of the night. It breaks your heart to think about how terrifying that must have been for a little animal like that."

Mr Gough said this could be a case where someone has bought a puppy because they think it is cute, but then dump it when it becomes ill, needing costly vet's treatment.

He added: "I just wish people would think a little bit harder before they take on a pet like this - and make sure they are willing and able to look after them in the long-term - not just for the first few days of cuteness."

It is not known why whoever dumped the animal chose the doorstep they did.

Tilly is still at the vets but off the drip and a lot brighter, although is still unable to walk properly. She is still undergoing treatment.

Anyone with any information about how Tilly came to be dumped like this should call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 8018.

The RSPCA issues advice on getting a new puppy. FOr information, go to www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/puppy.