In a dastardly act of animal abuse, four puppies were found covered in black hot tar in Romania where they were left to die in the scorching heat.

The puppies, who were stuck to the ground, were found in a grievous condition before they were transported to a hospital.

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Reported by Daily Mail, animal activists have placed the blame on an unidentified local who's unleashing his inner demons on the hapless animals. According to the Sky Foundation for Animal Rights, someone is deliberately putting animals in harm's way.

Veterinarian Sorin Puiu, who is treating the puppies, said that the dogs were brought in a critical condition but are currently doing better.

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He added, "One of them had a particularly tough time. He had his left eye, his nose and his mouth all covered in tar. We could really use some kind of animal police institution right now."

After their condition stabilises further, they will be given up for adoption.

Cases of animal cruelty are on a rise in Romania. Several cases have been reported of volunteers rescuing tortured dogs from the street who were living "a life of hell".