Five pitbull puppies found in a “dreadful condition” have been euthanised after being handed in to an animal cruelty prevention charity in a neglected state.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has received two litters totalling 16 puppies over the course of the past three weeks from another agency.

The SPCA says it is exceeding capacity at its facilities by 20 animals and staff are overwhelmed “physically and emotionally”.

Five puppies from one of the litters had to be put down as they were malnourished, sickly and lacking in vet care.

The news comes not long after another bull breed named Xena and her five pups were rescued by the charity.

Kate Terceira, executive director for the SPCA, said: “Since Xena and her puppies’ arrival we have taken in another two litters of puppies, one litter which sadly, due to their dreadful condition, required five of them to be euthanized.”

Of the remaining pups, she added: “They are still suffering with the effects of poor care but getting stronger each day. By poor care, we mean they weren’t having their basic needs met such as a balanced diet, regular worming and regular vet checks.

“All of these animals require extensive time and health support. There have been a number of vet visits both at the shelter and transporting to the vet surgery.

“All of the pups and mommas will be vaccinated and neutered as well as given basic training before they are fully adopted.”

Ms Terceira said the SPCA’s current facilities and staff have a capacity of 40 animals and it currently has 60, many of which require a high level of care.

She said: “This is creating an overwhelming strain financially but also on our team both physically and emotionally.

“It is down to a number of factors including irresponsible breeding and the ability to buy animals without any regulation or guidelines.

“Ultimately we need better, stronger rules and laws to manage the throwaway attitude, and disregard for animals’ wellbeing and lives.”

An emergency programme to curb a pitbull “crisis” driven by illegal dog breeding was launched in May by the SPCA which said it was running out of options to safeguard animals.

The SPCA announced a donor scheme for owners of restricted dog breeds to request help spaying or neutering animals.

Ms Terceira added: “We continue to take in emergency animal cases. However, we do need the community to understand that we need their help. We ask that they consider adoption and educate themselves on animal care and needs, and also the financial implications of taking on an animal.

“Please don’t take on a pet because it is free or being given to you without asking questions and really thinking of the long term effects.

“We have a duty of care to both the animals and the people looking after them. With our current facilities we do have limited space. We are receiving a number of animals that are requiring intensive care and rehab, this isn’t a quick process.

“This, along with number of emergency cases we are taking in, means we are under extreme pressure to look after and manage a very full shelter.”

Donations to Bermuda SPCA can be made here.