Two starving dogs seized by animal welfare officers this week were each about 25 pounds under weight, it has been revealed.

Inspector Charles Whited, of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), said the male American bull dogs would eventually recover, but were way off their ideal weight.

The Royal Gazette reported yesterday how Mr. Whited and Police animal protection officer Yvonne Ricca rescued the dogs over suspicions they were not being properly fed or treated for parasite infestation.

They were taken from their home in St. George's to be examined by two vets and will now be held for long-term care until their weight and health is back to normal.

Both animals were riddled with fleas and one of them was also suffering from severe conjunctivitis. Mr. Whited said: "Both vets have agreed that the dogs were very under weight.

"They have been put on a special diet to help build them back up and we are also fairly definite that they have worms.... They are being treated and looked after, and we are sure they will recover. They seem quite comfortable at the moment, but they need a quite a bit of attention.'' The animal welfare workers have also managed to identify who the two owners of the dogs are.

Investigations are continuing. No arrests have yet been made.

Anyone who suspects poor treatment of animals should call Police on 295-0011, or the SPCA on 236-7333.