In late May, the dogs were found living in deplorable conditions in a shed with no food, water or proper ventilation. All of the dogs are severely matted, underweight and suffering from a multitude of skin aliments. One of the dogs was so severely matted, he was unable to walk on his own. Currently, the dogs are being evaluated by the Houston SPCA veterinary and behavioral staff to determine when they can be put up for adoption.

"Many people underestimate the importance of frequent grooming as a part of a normal health care routine. To neglect grooming, even to a lesser extent than what we are seeing in these dogs, can lead to numerous health issues. The majority of these dogs are so severely matted that they have open sores and areas of complete hair loss where the matts have pulled out of the skin. Underneath the matts on some dogs we are finding lice and fly maggots. Matted hair over the ears is causing severe ear infections. All of the dogs are suffering from skin infections from filthy conditions and lack of grooming. A thorough grooming to include stripping off the matted hair and medicated baths will be an important first step back to health for these dogs," says Dr. Teri Schweiss, Vice President of Animal Welfare at the Houston SPCA.

For more information on Cocker Spaniel Rescue of East Texas - Houston including some "before" and "after" pictures of these dogs, please visit their website at www.cockerkids.org.

For more information on the Houston SPCA, visit www.houstonspca.org.