15 skeletal Great Danes are ‘adopted’ by the king of Thailand after they are discovered close to death at abandoned breeding farm

Harrowing footage shows the moment 15 skeleton Great Danes were rescued after being allowed to starve on an abandoned breeding facility in Thailand.

Unfortunately just a day before volunteers from Watchdog Thailand arrived to rescue the animals a female dog and her two puppies died in a cage.

The dogs are now healing and have even been ‘adopted’ by the country’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, who heard about their treatment and ordered his household to support their recovery.

The mistreated canines were found at a residence in Pathum Thani on Monday after the owner disappeared several weeks ago.

Volunteers had been notified by relatives, who said the site had been operated as a dog breeding farm for many years until the owner closed down owing to financial troubles and cruelly abandoned the animals.

Having nobody to care for them, they were not properly fed and lost so much weight that their bones were peeking through their fur.

A spokesman said: ”We have received a Royal command from His Majesty The King. His Royal Highness has commanded a delegation to adopt the dogs at the Animal Welfar Division.”

They also met housekeeper Nui, 50, who said that he was asked by the dog breeder’s cousin to look after the home. He then agreed to participate with the rescue.

Veterinarian Kangwan Thirathamrong fed and treated the dogs before relocating them to the Livestock Development’s Animal Center to recover their mental and physical health.

The vet said: ”The owner claimed that she didn’t hurt the dogs and still fed them but because she is unemployed and experiencing financial troubles they suffered.

”All of the rescued dogs required further care for recovery in the animal centre.

“Next, we’ll see whether the owner is financially ready to take them back but if not, we’ll look for any dog lovers who are willing to look after them.”

A spokesman from Watchdog Thailand said that His Majesty the King has ordered his household to adopt all of the Grean Datesat the Animal Welfare Division.

The monarch will cover the cover the expense of their treatment, food and continuing care.

The former owner faces penalties under the Cruelty Prevention and Welfare of Animal Act.