RCMP in Cape Breton are investigating a case of abandoned puppies that a veterinarian calls the worst case of abuse he has ever seen.

Chris Somerville said the three puppies brought to him were dehydrated, malnourished and had puncture wounds. One had a fractured leg.

"These injuries, I don't know what caused them but they're not natural causes. I think there was definitely some foul play involved here," said Somerville, who works at the Baddeck Veterinary Clinic.

When a hunter found the eight-week-old puppies earlier this week there were two dead puppies nearby. The puppies were found in woods in the Cain's Pond Road area of Hunter's Mountain.

The RCMP said it appears the two puppies died from blows to the head.

Somerville says he was shocked by the abuse.

"If you're in a situation where you can't afford to feed them or whatever the reason, there are other more humane things you can do. To me this is very cowardly, total disregard for the animal's well being. It would be a slow, painful way to go," he said.

Somerville said the three puppies will recover and he's confident new homes can be found for them.

The RCMP is asking anyone with information to contact investigators.