PUPPIES suffering from a deadly virus were found dumped in a box at the side of a road at night.

The six pups were taken to RSPCA Essex South and Southend by a kind passer-by on Thursday evening.

Sadly, three of the puppies died during their first night, but three have begun “expensive treatment” to save them from parvovirus.

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A spokesman for RSPCA said: “The remaining three we took into our vets have started the very expensive anti-viral treatments they need.

“They are still managing to eat at the moment, but symptoms can rapidly decline with parvo, let's hope these three have a fighting chance.

“We've started a fundraiser and we know you have been so generous to our branch this year already, but if you want to help us support these pups, please click on the link to go to our fundraising page.

“The anti-viral treatment and supportive care does run into multiple thousands when treating Parvo and as they're a larger breed they'll just cost more to treat sadly.”

The charity is fundraising £6,000 to save the puppies, to help visit this link.

Canine parvovirus is highly contagious and spreads through contact with an infected dog or contaminated object.

Southend Medivet has warned cases are rising at an alarming rate in the area.