Desperate dogs ate tree branches to survive in California. Now they need new homes

More than 20 dogs were rescued from a California home where they were starving and eating small tree branches to stay alive, officials say. Now they need new homes.

The Inland Valley Humane Society & SPCA said Thursday that 21 malnourished dogs were rescued from an Ontario home.

“The dogs, ranging in age from 1-13 years and predominantly of the Labrador and Spaniel breeds, were found eating small tree branches to sustain themselves and had no food or water,” the humane society said.

Several people reported a “smell that was noticeable from across the street” to Ontario police. The dogs’ owner signed the dogs over to the humane society and faces animal cruelty charges, Inland Valley Humane Society said.

All 21 dogs now can be adopted, the humane society said, and are looking for a home that will “give them the love and attention they deserve.”

“These furry friends will need additional care once adopted and adopters will be briefed on the proper care and TLC each dog will require,” the humane society said. “All rescued dogs will be spayed/neutered, dewormed, microchipped, vaccinated, and have their fleas & ticks treated.”

This story was originally published February 7, 2020 at 2:14 PM with the headline "Desperate dogs ate tree branches to survive in California. Now they need new homes."