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Abandoned puppies struggling to survive in Garfield County

Posted at 12:05 PM, Oct 31, 2018
and last updated 2018-10-31 14:06:53-04

 

Garfield County Puppy
Garfield County Puppy

GARFIELD COUNTY – The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office is looking for the person who a dumped a plastic bag full of puppies to die in a wooded area.

A couple camping nearby found the bag. It was left open and a total of 9 puppies that were less than 24-hours old were inside. Two of the puppies were already dead when they were found. The puppies slightly dried umbilical cords were still attached and their eyes were closed. Only two of the babies survived.

The puppies were immediately taken to the Divide Creek Animal Hospital for care by one of the Sheriff’s Animal Control Deputies. Once at the clinic, the puppies were immediately placed in warm towels under a surgical lamp with several bulbs to bring their body temperatures back up to a normal range. The puppies from were given formula. Once fed and warm, the puppies quit crying and fidgeting; they were able to rest after a very turbulent and stressful beginning to their life.

The abandonment of any animal, whether it lives or dies, by statute, is a Class 1 Misdemeanor and carries a minimum fine of $500.00. There is also a possibility of up to six months in jail. In this case, the charges could be made for each of the nine puppies making the potential fine $ 4500.00 or more. Additional charges including cruelty to animals and violation of county ordinances and regulations can also be cited and imposed.

The two remaining puppies will be placed in foster care if they survive and may be adopted in the future. The investigation into this crime is still active. If you have any information that may assist the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, please contact Dispatch at their non-emergency number 970-625-8095, they will, in turn, contact an “On Duty” Deputy to respond and follow up on any leads

Garfield County Puppy
Garfield County Puppy