Video of the Labrador puppies abandoned on South Downs Way

The Labradors were found by cyclist Rob Carter on the South Downs Way near Cheesefoot Head on Wednesday.

They were without microchips, frightened and hungry.

• Read more: Abandoned Labrador puppies in council care and set to be rehoused

But now they are being cared for by Three Oaks Boarding Kennels at Bishop's Waltham – and will be rehomed soon.

Reporter Sam Hatherley with one of the puppies

Colin Stoneman runs the facility, which deals with almost all stray dogs in Hampshire.

When reporter Sam Hatherley visited, the roughly three-month-old puppies seemed in great spirits:

Kennel manager Abi Tate said: "Based in Bishop's Waltham we are a family-run kennels and cattery, licensed by Winchester City Council and have been operating in the area for over 20 years.

"We are very much an essential partner to many of the region’s local authorities with only one or two exceptions. Winchester, Eastleigh, Test Valley, Fareham, Gosport, Dorset, New Forest and East Hants have all used our services and we are delighted to be able to act as a reception centre for our local authorities.

The Labrador puppies at Three Oaks Boarding Kennels

"We are open to accept strays from 8 in the morning until 9 at night, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, either from the public or dog wardens. We can also be on call 24 hours a day for stray phone calls and always have kennels ready and set up for any strays out of hours.

"We are fast becoming the hub for Hampshire in terms of animal care, taking in strays, social services temporary placements, and even overflow for the RSPCA. We also offer housing for smaller rescue charities. As a result, we are receiving more and more calls from members of the public, vets and wardens who have found dogs in the local area."