A FUNDRAISER launched to help care for three dogs found abandoned on a busy road has reached more than £500.

Three Shih Tzu dogs - all in terrible condition - were found on the A543 between Bylchau, near Denbigh, and The Pet Joint at Cwm Y Rhinwedd Farm on Saturday, October 14.

[Steve with the dogs last week. Video: Kerry Roberts]

Two of the dogs were immediately taken in by the Luxury Pet Home Boarding Hotel.

The third dog, which had been hit, was on the run a bit longer. He was located on the morning of Wednesday, October 17 on the same stretch.

He is also being care for by the hotel.

All three animals have been groomed; Tatty Mutts in Denbigh kindly offered their servies free of charge.

Steve Belgrau, owner of The Pet Joint, said: "These little guys went for their jabs and microchipping ready for their new homes. They've also had all of their flea, tick, lice and worm treatments done too.

"The seven days for them to be claimed are now up and they've come a long way from the quivering wrecks that were dumped by the roadside. They were a little scared and overwhelmed in the waiting room but they are doing so much better each day."

Money raised through the GoFundMe page will go towards food, treats and blankets.

The Pet Joint is appealing for name suggestions for the dogs.

He added: "Thank you to everyone who's donated. Next on the list is neutering for all three, the second set of jabs, kennel cough vaccine and some shiny new collars and tags.

"We've had so many great name suggestions for them. We think we'll pick out our top 10 and put them in a poll."

Speaking to the Free Press about the condition the dogs were in when they arrived, Steve said: "The third dog had got all these knots. He was spotted by a member of the public at about 10am running on the A543. He didn’t want to be caught. He was scared and frightened.

“I kind of tackled him to the floor and threw a blanket on him. We had a few little nips to our hands but he is safe. He was in awful condition - full of fleas and parasites and he stank.

“We are pleased we have all three in our care now. We think it is a possible cruelty case.

“The support we’ve had is brilliant."

All three dogs had matted fur and smelt of urine. They were described as being “very skinny” and “covered in parasites”.

Funds raised will also help pay to pay for castration, vaccinations, microchipping and food.

Steve added: “The third dog needed to be cut a little bit more than the others - his skin was raw, he had scabs, he was in the worst condition.

“They are so sweet and loving. They look like completely different dogs from when they came to us.

“We really do appreciate what everyone is doing to assist. The money will be vital in terms of going towards vet bills.

“We are appealing for information. If anyone was passing that road in the evening or saw anything suspicious, any cars pulled over.

“If there is anyone can help with anything any food, blankets, things like that - please get in touch. Food especially - we always have in an extra supply, but with an extra three mouths to feed we would appreciate any help.”

A spokesperson from RSPCA Cymru said: "We received a report regarding the welfare of three dogs found straying in Denbigh. We understand the local authority dog wardens have been involved and have arranged the housing of these dogs while enquiries are made. Statutory responsibility of straying dogs rests with local authorities in Wales.

"If anyone has any information about these dogs please can they contact the local authority who are dealing with this matter."

To donate, head to www.gofundme.com/care-fund-for-the-3-abandoned-dogs