six emaciated dogs have been seized by shocked SPCA inspectors from a rural Martinbrough property but the rescue came too late for two of them, who will have to be put down.
The huntaways and heading dog crosses were found by chance when a workman called at what seemed to be
a rundown lifestyle block and came across the starving dogs chained or penned, all without food and most without water.
Inspector Debra Kiernan said a vet was called in yesterday to assess the seized animals and his verdict was that two could not be saved. Another dog was borderline, two others were definitely under weight and one was fine.
Mrs Kiernan said the one dog that was in reasonable condition was not tethered and was found in an open laundry.
"We think she may have strayed on to the property.
"She was pregnant and could have been looking for a hidey-hole."
The farm was deserted when the SPCA called and took the dogs away, she said.
Mrs Kiernan said the dogs were so thirsty that when she let one off her chain the animal made for the nearest muddy puddle and slurped up the dirty water.
A notice was left at the property telling the owner of the dogs they had been seized but by late yesterday the SPCA had still not heard from him.
Mrs Kiernan said chance finds of neglected animals always got inspectors thinking.
"When you come across this sort of thing you are left wondering how many others are out there that you never get to hear about."
