2 puppies found emaciated in New Jersey park

PATERSON, N.J. -- Two emaciated puppies believed to be tortured were found by joggers in a park in Paterson, New Jersey Monday morning.

The dogs looked clean enough that they hadn't been outside for long, authorities said.

"It was just plain neglect, abuse, and the person who did this should go to jail," said Chief John deCando, of Paterson Animal Control.

"Those dogs didn't get there by walking there, because one dog didn't even walk. One dog got up, he fell. And the other dog just kept hovering over him to protect him," deCando said.

The two pit bull puppies were taken to Animal Clinic of Morris Plains and nicknamed Bugsy and Bunny.

"I don't think you can be much worse and still be alive," said Dr. Paul Sedlacek, of the Animal Clinic of Morris Plains.

Sedlacek believes they're about 6 months old and should be uncontrollable bursts of energy, but the puppies can hardly hold up their heads.

One weighs 16 pounds and the other just 14 pounds. The vet says they should be more than twice that.

A $1,000 reward is being offered to find whoever is responsible for the dogs through Paterson Animal Control. Call 973-881-3640 with any information.