News 12 was there as four frightened dogs were rescued Friday after neighbors contacted us saying the animals were left without food or water for a week. 

They also sent News 12 photos of the alleged living conditions they were in on Sunset Trail in Pine Bush. 

“We posted stuff to Facebook. We just wanted the dogs to be taken care of like any living animals should be,” said one neighbor, who asked to remain anonymous. 

Neighbors tagged News 12 in a Facebook post Thursday saying the dogs were “dying” and that Ulster County officials didn’t seem to be helping fast enough. 

They say their owner has been hospitalized for seven days after police performed a welfare check and that the animals were left inside crates, that most of them escaped from, without food or water. 

Authorities say the owner and a neighbor told them someone was taking care of the dogs and that they didn’t step in to take them until they found out those arrangements were jut temporary. 

 “This isn’t a neglect case,” said Ulster County Executive Director Gina Carbonari. “This is just a sad situation as it appears of dogs that were left behind. This is a person that probably needed some help a long time ago as well.” 

Rescuers say the dogs are okay but will need to see a vet. 

Neighbors, though, say the animals’ lives were in danger. 

“Yesterday, we came out and found the dog in the crate unresponsive and he had labored breathing.” 

The SPCA put a 24-hour violation notice on the door Tuesday and authorities say they properly responded to concerns. 

Neighbors are grateful the dogs are okay but say the animals should have been rescued sooner. 

“It was a 24-hour notice. They didn’t come back until two days later.” 

The dogs are now in the care of the Ulster County SPCA.