SPCA Otago inspector Sophia Tinirau said two abandoned puppies were found in a remote Kuri Bush area, south of Brighton, on Tuesday.
The 3-month-old crossbreed pups were found "shivering and crying'' by a Taieri Mouth resident.
"I just can't imagine why anyone would have any reason to desert such young puppies in an area like this. If they had not been found when they were, I would not like to think what might have become of them.''
SPCA Otago was called and the puppies were rushed to the Opoho Animal Centre.
"Despite their traumatic ordeal, the puppies were happy and healthy ... They both have very distinct personalities and just love the attention they are getting.''
Ms Tinirau urged the public to try to help identify who dumped the puppies and left them in a "helpless and life-threatening'' situation.
Deserting an animal was a serious offence and a conviction under the Animal Welfare Act could result in a $50,000 fine and a year in prison.
Executive officer Sophie McSkimming said SPCA Otago regularly dealt with "sad instances of animal abuse''.
"Once we have rescued animals like these puppies, and attempt to seek justice for them, our focus turns to housing them safely for the period needed to vaccinate, microchip, desex and rehome them.''
The Help Rescue SPCA Otago campaign was launched last month, seeking to raise $1.5 million to replace three "not fit for the purpose'' buildings at the Opoho SPCA Centre.
So far, $682,000 has been raised.
