MIAMI (CBS4) – Two dogs found in a large cage along Interstate 95 Monday night are safe in the Miami-Dade animal shelter, but investigators are trying to figure out how they ended up on the highway.

The dogs, a male and female Belgian Malinois, are very thin and Animal Services investigators say they may have been abused.

Investigator Kathy Labrada said Animal Services got the call from troopers.

“FHP called to pick up two dogs from I-95 right at the 826.  It’s unknown how the dogs arrived at that location,” said Labrada.

The dogs’ owner insists he doesn’t know how they got there.  Jean Beaubrun explained he was evicted from his home and left his dogs, named Cara and Ice behind, thinking friends would care for them.

“I was looking for a place to move them but they were fine,” Beaubrun told us.

He said he was surprised to receive a call from the shelter informing him the dogs were there.

“I love my dogs.  I’m here to pick up my dogs and take my dogs home,” said Beaubrun when he arrived at the shelter Tuesday afternoon.

Animal Services says it isn’t that simple.

“The owner will not be getting these dogs back, not until we have some more information related to why they are in the condition they’re in and how they ended up on the side of  I-95,” said Labrada.

According to Animal Services, the dogs are underweight and in poor health. Veterinarians will examine them to determine whether they show signs of abuse, neglect, or an underlying medical condition. Depending on those findings, the owner could face animal cruelty charges.

Beaubrun says he believes he will get his dogs back.

“I have to get my dogs back. If they don’t give me my dogs how am I supposed to continue showing my dogs love? Said Beaubrun. “I love my dogs and they’re very loveable.”

Labrada says she’s just concerned with making sure the dogs are healthy and safe.

“They’ve been through a lot and we’re going to do the best to get them on the road to recovery and get them into a good home,” she said.