Five puppies were rescued in Sarnia Friday evening by the Sarnia Police Service.
While attending a residence on an unrelated incident police found the puppies unattended outside and in poor living conditions.
The dogs were found in a makeshift enclosure with no gate, no proper shelter and with the ground covered in mud and dog excrement.
The puppies were also found whimpering and shaking because of the cold, holding up their paws off the ground because of being left attended in the cold.
Police did not see any food or water.
The puppies are now in the care of the Sarnia & District Humane Society.
The investigation into potential charges is continuing.