WARNING: DISTRESSING IMAGES AND FOOTAGE
Heartbreaking footage has emerged of a group of Great Danes being rescued from a breeding farm.
The 15 emaciated pooches had been living at a house in Pathum Thani, central Thailand when their owner abandoned them several weeks ago.
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But with nobody to care for them, they were not properly fed and lost so much weight that their bones could be seen through their fur.
After weeks of struggling to survive, volunteers were alerted to the plight of the dogs and rushed to the farm on Monday (19 August) and saved the animals, giving them some much-needed food and water.
According to reports, the dogs are now recovering with helpers from Watchdog Thailand and have even been 'adopted' by the country's king, after he heard about their treatment and ordered his household to fund their recovery.
A spokesman said: ''We have received a Royal command from His Majesty The King. His Royal Highness has commanded a delegation to adopt the dogs at the Animal Welfare Division.''
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Relatives of the owner living nearby said the site had been used as a breeding farm for many years, until the owner closed it down due to financial problems and cruelly abandoned the animals.
Appalled by the condition the Great Danes were being kept in, she reported their plight to the foundation.
It's said that due to the lack of care, one female dog and her two puppies died in a cage on Sunday.
The volunteers arrived at the house at around 2pm on Monday (19 August) and found 15 skinny dogs locked in cages suffering from severe malnutrition.
They also met housekeeper called Nui, 50, who said that he was asked by the dog breeder's relative to look after the place.
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Veterinarian Kangwan Thirathamrong fed and treated the dogs before relocating them to the Livestock Development's Animal Center so that they could recover their mental and physical health.
The vet said: ''The owner claimed that she didn't hurt the dogs and still fed them but because she is unemployed and having financial problems they suffered.
''All of the rescued dogs required further care for recovery in the animal centre. Then, we'll see if the owner is financially ready to take them back but if not, we'll look for any dog lovers who are willing to look after them.''
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A spokesman from Watchdog Thailand said this morning (21 August) that King Rama X has ordered his household to adopt all of the Great Danes at the Animal Welfare Division. He will cover the cost of their treatment, food and ongoing care.
Meanwhile, the former owner faces punishment under the Cruelty Prevention and Welfare of Animal Act after police began investigating.
Topics: World News, Interesting, Asia, Thailand, Animals, Dogs