SPCA staff are caring for seven surviving dogs found in the Ruatangata/Kokopu area on Thursday night and Friday.
Whangarei SPCA inspector Helena Sweeting said the find was even more disturbing because it is the second time in two months a group of dumped young females of the same breed had been found in the same place. The SPCA is appealing for people to come forward with information to identify who is responsible.
"It can be confidential," Ms Sweeting said. "Let's find these people, we need to know what's going on here. We're not going to let this rest until we've got some answers."
The alarm was raised on Thursday night when one of the dogs, which later had to be euthanased, was hit by a vehicle outside the old church near the Pipiwai and Kokopu Rd junction.
A second dog at the scene ran away and the driver notified animal control. Officers arrived soon after to look for the runaway and found three dogs in the church grounds.
At the same time, the officers were corralling the frightened and filthy dogs, a woman notified SPCA about four more further along Kokopu Rd near Whatitiri, a few kilometres away.
The find brings the total found in the two incidents to 14, including the one that died. It isn't known if they were pure-bred shih tzu or crossed with another toy dog breed. None were microchipped.
They were in poor condition but not emaciated, Ms Sweeting said, and all had extremely matted coats, some so knotted their feet were completely covered and their limbs held.
Two might be slightly older and could have had litters recently. However, they were still in shock and it was too soon to detect other health issues or deformities.
The six young bitches found two months ago were in similarly bad condition, Ms Sweeting said.
"We don't know if we're dealing with someone who can't cope with a situation they've found themselves in and can no longer care for their animals, or it might be a hoarder [of animals]. It could be someone out there breeding these dogs, or they might have been brought here from outside the district."
Ms Sweeting said staff have notified vets, and inspectors might do a door-to-door search of the area.
In the meantime, the very smelly, matted little dogs would be shaved, examined and receive other remedial care before being tested to see if they are well enough socialised to be rehomed.
Information can be passed to the Whangarei SPCA anonymously on 09 438 9161.
By Lindy Laird of the Northern Advocate
