Box of puppies found in 'horrible condition'

TAMPA (FOX 13) - A Good Samaritan who found a box of puppies "in horrible condition" on the side of the road brought them to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay where they're being nursed back to health.

Shelter officials said the puppies were extremely emaciated, had severe mange, and had been suffering for weeks. "The suffering caused by these conditions has surely been horrific," said shelter officials.

The puppies are lethargic, but still responded to humans with affection and trying to give kisses with what little energy they have.

The Humane Society said the costly treatments will take 4-6 weeks. The shelter will give the puppies antibiotics, vitamins, and medicated baths and the puppies will be up for adoptions when they heal.

There's no word on who left the puppies there and the Good Samaritan's name was not given.

"There is no excuse for letting animals suffer the way these puppies have," the shelter said.

Dumping and abandoning pets is not only illegal, it's cruel, the shetler said. They also say this serves as a good reminder to everyone to spay and neuter their pets.