SAN DIEGO–On Friday evening a Good Samaritan found a one month old male puppy in a dumpster of the Target store in the 1200 block of Camino del Rio North in Mission Valley and brought the puppy to the Department of Animal Services.
The puppy had his ears cruelly cut off and was in urgent need of veterinary care. The Labrador/Shepherd puppy, named “Sunny” by the department, is receiving veterinary care and his prognosis for survival is very good.
The Department of Animal Services is currently investigating this case and is searching for any additional puppies that may have been similarly abused and left in dumpsters. The department is also asking the public to be vigilant and listen for crying or whining around dumpsters and if they hear anything suspicious to call the Department of Animal Services 24-hour dispatch at (619) 236-2341.
“Whoever did this malicious act needs to be brought to justice,” said Dawn Danielson, Director of the Department of Animal Services.
A $3,000 reward is being offered by the San Diego Animal Advocates for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for the abuse. If a suspect is identified, they will face a felony animal abuse charges which could include prison time and fines.
The puppy will continue to receive veterinary care that will be covered by the department’s “Spirit Fund.” Anyone interested in donating to the “Spirit Fund” can do so at any of the three county animal shelters or online at http://www.sddac.com/donations.asp.
The Department of Animal Services will notify the public if and when the puppy becomes available for adoption.
The department is seeking any information regarding who may have committed this crime. If the public has any information, they are asked to contact Lieutenant Dan DeSousa at (619)767-2624. Callers may remain anonymous.