PSPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement team rescues dog chained to dumpster that had recently given birth, goes on exhaustive search to find puppies
Labor Day has an entirely new meaning today at the Pennsylvania SPCA after the organization’s Humane Law Enforcement Team rescued a mom pitbull tied to a dumpster and went on an exhaustive search to reunite her with her puppies.
Late Thursday evening the Philadelphia Police Department found a female pitbull tied to a dumpster on the 4800 block of Folsom Street in West Philadelphia. The Pennsylvania SPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement team was called to assist, recovering the female pitbull who had recently given birth. Her puppies were nowhere to be found.
The mom dog, who is now known as Missy, was taken to the PSPCA’s Hospital for monitoring and treatment. The dog had allegedly been given antifreeze in an effort to end her life.
Humane Law Enforcement Officers canvased the area and early Friday were able to generate information leading them to find seven puppies at one property, and two others at a nearby property. With over 12 hours having passed since the puppies had been with their mother, reuniting them was critical.
The nine puppies were rushed back to the Pennsylvania SPCA’s Erie Avenue Headquarters where they were examined by the medical staff and ultimately reintroduced to their mom. Mom and babies are resting comfortably in their own room closely monitored by the PSPCA’s Hospital team.
“This case has so many layers,” said Julie Klim, CEO of the Pennsylvania SPCA. “To find a dog tied to a dumpster and left to die is disheartening enough, but to learn that she had recently given birth, been separated from her babies and possibly poisoned brings it to an entirely different level. But, through our Officers investigative work and dedication to finding these vulnerable newborns, all nine puppies and their mom are right now receiving the very best care in our hospital.”
The investigation is ongoing, and charges are pending the conclusion of the full investigation. Anyone with information about this case, or other cases involving animal cruelty, is urged to call the Pennsylvania SPCA’s Cruelty Hotline at (866) 601-SPCA. Tips can be left anonymously.