FIND THE OWNER: Campaign to track down Britain's most wanted dog owner

It comes after nine dogs were callously dumped in the countryside in such a state they could not see, walk or stand.

Their fur was matted together so badly it covered their eyes and animal welfare officers fear they had been viciously beaten.

RSPCA inspector Jan Edwards with the matted fur cut from the dogs

• SHOCKING photos of dogs dumped in appalling conditions
• Hunt stepped up for culprits of dumped dogs
• IN PHOTOS - How vets battled to save one of the dumped dogs
• VIDEO: Abandoned dogs were a mum and her eight puppies
• How the story of the dogs dumped in appalling conditions shocked the world
• HELP US FIND THE OWNER: Download our poster to help find Britain's most wanted dog owner

Now council chiefs, the RSPCA and police have ramped up their search to track down the owners.

Once the owner is found the money will be donated to the RSPCA.

A spokesperson for the charity today said: "It's great that Echo readers are so concerned and want to help in some way. We are only able to investigate cases due to the generous donations from the public. "We greatly appreciate people sharing the appeal and we are urging anyone who knows anything to come forward."

The eight one-year-old poodle-crosses and their eight-year-old mother were found in and around Upham, Owslebury and Alresford on Monday and Tuesday.

They are currently being cared for by city council dog wardens and vets across the county.

MORE PHOTOS OF THE DOGS HERE>>

Anyone with information should call 01962 840222, extension number 2172, or email eh@winchester.gov.uk.

To donate click here.