pitbull were found yesterday by SPCA inspector, Charles Whited, chained to a tree in central Pembroke after he received an anonymous tip.

Mr. Whited explained that the dogs were attached to opposite ends of the obscenely heavy chain which was wrapped around a tree near a derelict home.

"The male pitbull would have been dead in a day or so,'' said Mr. Whited. He explained that the two dogs were hopelessly tangled up with one another when he arrived at the scene and were so weak that they could not even stand up.

Mr. Whited said that the dogs were immediately cut loose and taken to Hannover Veterinary Hospital where they were treated by Dr. Maureen Ware.

The two-year-old male weighs 29 pounds and the female which is about 10-months-old weighs 25 pounds. It is estimated that their weights should be 70 and 55 pounds respectively.

Mr. Whited said that the male dog's collar was noosed over his neck and was choking him and had worn through his hair and into the skin around his neck which had become infected.

He said that the main reason he had brought the situation to the attention of The Royal Gazette was to let people know that if they have an animal that they can no longer care for they can bring it to the SPCA without any monetary or legal repercussions.

He is pleading for anyone who has witnessed or suspects a case of this or any other kind of abuse to report it promptly to the SPCA.

Mr. Whited speculated that someone living in the area must have heard the dogs barking and whining and gone to investigate.

He is also urging anyone who recognises either animal to contact the SPCA and identify whomever may be responsible for this horrific act of cruelty.

Photos by Arthur Bean Look of death: These emaciated pitbulls stare lifelessly at the camera. They were chained to a tree in Pembroke where they were left to starve to death.

Near death: Jessica Waltham holds the male pitbull which would have been dead in a day or two if not for the life-saving call which came into the SPCA yesterday. SPCA Inspector Charles Whited holds the chain which was used to attach the dog to a tree. It weighs more than the dog.