ONE of the nine neglected dogs dumped in Hampshire in terrible condition is fighting for its life, animal welfare experts have said.

The other eight poodle-cross dogs abandoned near Winchester on Tuesday night are said to be recovering well from their ordeal.

More on the abandoned dogs:

Hunt stepped up for owner who abandoned nine dogs in terrible condition near Winchester
PHOTOS: How the animals were found

One of the young canines, named Kate, is seriously ill and may have to be put down, warned RSPCA Inspector Jan Edwards on Friday.

“She is still not eating or drinking and is very depressed," she told the Hampshire Chronicle.

"She is not well enough to have any sedation for an x-ray and is not able to walk.

“Kate is seriously ill and it may have to be put to sleep. That may be an option.

“When David Griffiths, the council animal welfare officer, picked her up she could not walk. She had to be carried into the vet on a blanket with people on either side.”

Kate is being cared for at a local veterinary practice, which the RSPCA is not naming.

The hunt for the animals’ owner is continuing following worldwide condemnation of the state they were found in, unable to see or stand.

Hampshire Chronicle:

The other dogs have been named by vets as Sian (the mother), Dave, Faye, Justin, William, Maria, Martha and Mavis.

Ms Edwards said: “This is the worst case I have ever seen. Even if just one of these dogs had been found in this state I would be appalled, but to find nine of them all in such a bad way is incredibly upsetting. Everyone who has seen these dogs, even the vets, are shocked by their appearance.”

She urged the public to come forward with any information about who dumped the animals.

“As always we are reliant on the public to be our eyes and ears so if anyone thinks they may have any information about how these dogs came to be dumped in this sorry state they can ring our inspectorate line on 0300 123 8018.”

The other eight are being taken to RSPCA kennels this weekend including two to The Ark at Stubbington, four at Ashley Heath and two near Chichester.

Although they are in RSPCA care, they are still the responsibility of Winchester City Council which is investigating the incident.

Ms Edwards will meet council officers on Monday.

Evidence is being gathered and the council is still urging the public to come forward - email eh@winchester.gov.uk or call 01962 840222.

Hampshire Chronicle:

The dogs soon after they were discovered

One rescuer believes he could have been minutes from catching the culprit as three dogs were dumped on Morestead Road.

Phil Evelyn, 48, found the traumatised animals at 7.45pm on Tuesday - but says he drove past the same spot 45 minutes earlier and hadn't seen anything.

The chauffeur told the Hampshire Chronicle that the dogs could have reached the road from nearby Warren Farm, but added that they were limping and “walking around in circles”.

“If they were there I would have seen it. When I saw the first dog... I could have hit it. I thought it was a sheep at first.”

Cllr Jan Warwick, city council portfolio holder for environment, health and well-being, said: “I would like to thank the public and the media for their support in this difficult case. This type of cruelty to animals has no place in our district and we will continue to seek evidence about those who treated the dogs so badly.”

The council has received around 60 calls from the public offering homes and advice, said a council spokesman.

An owner has seven days in which to come forward, after which the dogs become the property of the council. It will be looking to re-home the dogs, something which Ms Edwards does not think will be difficult. “They are fabulous little dogs,” she said.

By Andrew Napier and Duncan Geddes