7 puppies abandoned in dumpster
Thousand Palms, CA (US)Incident Date: Tuesday, Nov 14, 2006
County: Riverside
Disposition: Open
Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!
The cuddly, mixed-Labrador puppies are now safe and warm after being rescued from a dumpster. About 2 p.m. on Nov 12, a passerby in a Mecca mobile-home park heard yelping and investigated. The good Samaritan discovered seven puppies -- all about 3 to 4 weeks old.
An animal cruelty investigation has been launched, county Department of Animal Services public information chief John Welsh said.
The puppies will remain in foster care until they're old enough for adoption. Volunteer Susan Cubine is caring for six puppies, and an animal services department employee has taken in the other one.
"They do it out of the goodness of their hearts and for the love of animals," said Cookie Briney, supervising adoption counselor for the Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms.
Foster care givers receive no pay -- only food for the animals and their medical care. The facility in Thousand Palms has about 15 to 20 foster families, but could use more, officials said.
The seven puppies found Thursday were flea infested, and they were dewormed, Briney said. Otherwise, they were in good health.
Cubine, who has two grown chows and a cat, made room for the half-dozen puppies in her Cathedral City home. They relaxed Thursday night in her guest bathroom and had her up three times into the early morning hours -- 1, 3 and 5 a.m.
"They're quieter now," Cubine said Friday. "They know they have a place."
Cubine volunteers at the Thousand Palms animal facility, walking dogs and helping socialize them for adoption.
On Friday, the puppies stretched out in her backyard, enjoying the afternoon warmth. Cubine's old slippers sat nearby for comfort.
People can get on a waiting list to adopt the seven puppies. They will be available when they are about 2 months old.
Call 760-343-4425 for the adoption and foster-care program. References« CA State Animal Cruelty Map
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