·CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? MORE CHIHUAHUA CRUELTY!

Humane Society staff members find a crate loaded with small dogs next to a garbage dumpster just outside the shelter's main entrance. 

Late yesterday afternoon, April 7th, staff members with the Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA) found a small plastic animal crate loaded with seven Chihuahua-mix dogs next to a garbage dumpster located about fifty feet from the shelter's main entrance.  The discovery comes on the heels of the largest animal rescue in Pima County history when over eight hundred animals – most of them Chihuahuas – were found living in horrible conditions at a residence in Avra Valley.  To our knowledge, none of the animals found yesterday are related to the Avra Valley hoarding case.

"In light of recent events, it seems like a cruel irony that these dogs were all Chihuahuas," said Mike Duffey, the Humane Society's animal cruelty investigator.  "We know that these dogs never came inside the shelter, so it seems as though someone literally drove down here, threw them in the dumpster and then drove away. It boggles the mind that if they had taken just a few more steps, all of the animals could have been safely released to appropriate care."

Fortunately, the animals were discovered before the heat or other conditions seriously threatened their lives.  They were all immediately taken to the shelter where some had to be provided with emergency medical care.  All of the animals showed signs typical of neglect, including overgrown toenails, poor dental care, skin disease and open wounds.  All of the animals were filthy and the interior of the plastic crate in which they were found was smeared with feces.  Some of the animals appeared to have a foreign substance on their coats which is still unidentified.  The animals are all under the care of Humane Society veterinarians.

The Humane Society contacted the Pima County Sheriff's Department (PCSD) shortly after the animals were found.  Authorities are asking for the public's assistance in identifying the dogs and their owner(s).  The dogs included two males and five females, between the ages of four months and three years.  The dogs are of various colors.  Photos of the animals can be viewed on the Humane Society website. 

HSSA and PCSD are asking members of the public who may have information about this case to contact 88-CRIME (883-7463), an anonymous tip-line run by the Pima County Attorney’s Office.  Callers need not identify themselves and no calls are recorded or traced.  Callers should reference case number 080407244.  Any caller who supplies information leading to the arrest and indictment in this case is eligible for up to $1000 in reward money. None of the chihuahuas are available for adoption while the criminal investigation is underway. 

Animal cruelty investigations and rescue is a costly process as the Avra Valley hoarding case proved. The Humane Society continues to provide medical and rehabilitative care for many of those rescued animals plus these new arrivals and other community cruelty cases.  Funds are always desperately needed to assist with this vital work.  Donations can be made by calling (520) 321-3704, Ext. 174, 120 or 116;  by donating online at www.hssaz.org ; or by sending donations to the Humane Society at 3450 N. Kelvin Boulevard, Tucson, Arizona  85716.  All donations are tax-deductible.

Updates on this case, including photos of the dogs, will be posted online at www.hssaz.org and on the Animal Cruelty Taskforce website at www.act-az.org .