A concerned local phoned the RSPCA about the dogs’ condition.

A labrador and a 10 month-old mixed breed puppy were taken amid fears they would soon starve to death.

Both dogs were emaciated with the labrador about half the weight of what it should be.

The puppy weighed about one third of its recommended weight.

RSPCA public relations manager Richard Barry said he had never seen a labrador in such a skinny state before.

"He’s just a bag of bones," he said.

"Our first job is getting the dogs to put some weight on."

Mr Barry said because the dogs’ stomachs had shrunk they would be given little food often.

He also said it would take about two months until the animals were fully recovered.

Once recovered, RSPCA will find new homes for the dogs.