'Truly Horrendous Condition': 5 Puppies Found Abandoned, Covered In Feces On Side Of Road In Vineland, Shelter Says

VINELAND, N.J. (CBS) -- It was a horrific case of animal cruelty in South Jersey. Puppies were dumped on the side of the road, suffering from some of the worst neglect shelter workers have ever seen.

Bowser is so cute, but obviously in poor spirits, You can't help but want to pet and comfort this puppy, but he and his four siblings picked up by animal control this week in Vineland are in such poor health, that just about everything is painful.

The dogs were found without food or water and were covered in their own feces.

"Obviously, they are in truly horrendous condition. They have something called demodectic mange, which is not contagious, but it's created a situation here where he has a horrible skin infection," Executive Director of South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter Bev Greco said.

All he has to do is scratch his scabs and decaying skin and it makes him bleed. The litter is also severely malnourished, causing their joints and extremities to be so swollen that it's hard to move.

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"The sanitary conditions, the health situation here, the lack of sustenance, this poor guy -- it's amazing he's survived," Greco said.

Bowser, as they've named him, and the other four pups are now getting treatment and staying in foster care. On Wednesday, animal control found them abandoned along a rural stretch of Elm Road in Vineland.

Police are looking for leads to find the owners and make sure no other animals are being abused or neglected.

"This is a horrendous thing. I don't know how they sleep at night," Greco said.

And if seeing this makes you want to do something to help, here's what experts suggest: First, keep an eye out in your community for animal neglect and report it to local police. Second, consider adoption before purchasing a pet. And thirdly, support your local shelter -- whether that's donating money or time as a volunteer.

"Shelters, we get this kind of stuff on a regular basis," Greco said. "So, you know, support your shelter no matter where you are or however you can."

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The shelter is asking for donations to give the puppies the medical attention they need.

"They have already seen the vet and are on their road to recovery," the shelter posted on Facebook. "If you can donate towards these puppies care and others, it would be greatly appreciated."

Once their health improves, the puppies will be put up for adoption.

To donate, click here.