Authorities in California say a woman was caught on video dumping a bag of newborn puppies near a dumpster outside of a business last in Coachella week.
According to a Facebook post from the Riverside County Animal Services, the incident occurred Thursday afternoon. When a passerby discovered the bag and told an employee at the nearby Napa Auto Parts location, the latter contacted police.
Upon arrival, officers reported finding a bag containing seven terrier-mix puppies that were about three days old. Police reportedly reviewed the business’ surveillance footage and determined that a woman arrived shortly after 1 p.m., got out of her SUV, and walked toward a recycling receptacle.
Temperatures in the region on Thursday hit the mid-90s.
“Animal Services’ veterinary team members cared for the puppies and lined up a rescue group partner organization to take over bottle feeding duties,” the animal services agency wrote. “MeoowzResQ, a Southern California-based organization specializing in kitten and cat rescue and fostering, agreed to accept the pups.”
Officials credited the action of a “Good Samaritan” named John who found the bag an notified someone, as reported by WFSB.
“His actions were humane and heroic,” said Animal Services Commander Chris Mayer, who contrasted them with the “shameful” act of dumping the puppies.
Authorities say they are looking for the woman as part of an animal cruelty investigation.
[Featured images: Riverside County Animal Services, video screenshots]
