Shocking photos have emerged showing the abuse that two dogs suffered before being found and rescued.

The dogs – which are so thin that their bones are visible through their skin – were found near a university in the city of Ciudad Real, Spain, after they were thrown from a moving van by cruel owners.

Police have launched an investigation to identify the people who abused the dogs, which were emaciated and missing chunks of their fur, over several weeks at least, as Daily Mail reports.

The animals were taken to the shelter by locals who saw them being thrown from the van by at least a couple of people, according to reports, but the van’s number plates had been removed, making it difficult for police to identify the suspects.

It is believed they were exposed to very little light, which is why their skin colour is so pink.

Carmen Diaz, a volunteer for the organisation Protectora La Bienvenida Ciudad Real, said: ‘They were completely abandoned without food or water. This state is not reached in a matter of weeks or months.’ adding that she had ‘never seen animals arrive at the centre in such a poor condition.’