Two cats were found abandoned and covered in their own urine in a crate on Vancouver Island.

The crate, which was secured shut by packing tape, was discovered by a dog out for a walk with his owner in a wooded area of Campbell River.

The felines are emaciated and dehydrated but are now receiving medical attention. The situation was so upsetting that some SPCA workers were in tears.

SPCA animal care supervisor Jennifer Filgate said the crate showed evidence that the cats suffered while confined.

“One of the cats had a scratch on its nose which would suggest they were trying to escape,” she said adding, “However long they were in there, they were obviously not being taken care of for quite some time due to their body condition.”

The cats, both around seven months old, are now on IVs in a Courtenay veterinary clinic. One of the cats, a female, shows signs of organ failure and may not survive.

Anyone with information on the person responsible is asked to contact the SPCA.