That’s Not A Pile Of Dirt What You are About To See Will Shock and Horrify You

May 13th, 2015

In Winchester County, United Kingdom, locals stumbled upon a horrific site. What initially just looked like huge mounds of dirt turned out to be nine nearly unidentifiable animals who had been abandoned and were in extremely rough shape.

Many people assumed that the animals were sheep due to their long, matted and muddied hair. Closer inspection however made it clear that all nine of the creatures were actually severely neglected dogs.

All nine of the dogs were found in numerous different locations across the city. What’s more, it was clear that these dogs had all been mistreated by the same person. The dogs actually turned out to be a mother and her eight babies.

Found in numerous locations across the city, it was easy to see that these dogs had all been mistreated by the same person. What's more, it was clearly a mother and her eight babies.
The poor animals couldn’t walk or see due to their unkempt hair which had become so heavy and cumbersome. Their paws were embedded with rocks and their nails were severely overgrown.

When they were first found, it was impossible to tell what breed the dogs were because of the state that they were in. After cutting off many pounds of their hair (a process which took over three hours) it turned out they were adorable poodle mixes.

Upon first glance, it was impossible to tell what breed the dogs were because of the state that they were in. After three hours and pounds of hair later (each on shed up to 26 pounds!), it turned out they were adorable poodle mixes.

The vets said that the hair removed from the dogs was equal to half their body weight! Imagine lugging around an extra 50% of yourself. That would certainly make it very difficult to walk!

Now, the dogs are receiving care at various shelters in the area. Vets suspect it will take weeks to bring them back to health, and then get them to trust humans again. Nevertheless, they are said to be “fabulous little pups.”

The dogs are now receiving care at various shelters in the area, though it will take weeks to bring them back to health, and then get them to trust humans again, though they are said to be "fabulous little pups."

One of the dogs, whose name is Kate, is in such poor shape that vets have said that putting her down may have to be a last-resort option to consider.

One of the rescues, named Kate, is in such poor shape that putting her down may have to be a last-resort option to consider.

Immediately after they were rescued, the Daily Echo began an online fundraiser to raise proceeds which would help the dogs. Within 24 hours, readers who were so appalled by the incident, made sure that the £3,000 goal of the fundraiser, was not only met but surpassed.

Daily Echo readers were so appalled by the incident, that within 24 hours, the online fundraiser with a £3,000 goal, had been surpassed.

Roderick and Hazel Ross, two kindhearted Winchester residents, alone contributed £2,000. Their generous donation, along with the rest of the contributions, will go toward rehabilitating the family of pups.

These two kindhearted Winchester residents, Roderick and Hazel Ross, alone contributed £2,000. Their generous donation, along with the rest of the contributions, will go toward rehabilitating the family of pups.

Winchester City Council is still looking for the former owner responsible for this crime against the innocent canines, who’ve since been named Sian (the mother), Dave, Faye, Justin, Kate, William, Maria, Martha, and Mavis.

Winchester City Council is still looking for the former owner responsible for this crime against the innocent canines, who've since been named Sian (the mother), Dave, Faye, Justin, Kate, William, Maria, Martha, and Mavis.
RSPCA workers have no doubt that they’ll all easily find loving homes once they are ready to leave medical care.

While Kate is looking a little healthier, it’s clear that she is still very frail.