INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Authorities are investigating after they said deputies found 26 dogs and puppies piled up in a small crate and abandoned on a dirt road last weekend.
The dogs were without food, water or shelter, according to the Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County. The agency said the canines were lethargic, dehydrated and terrified when they were found.
The humane society is offering a $4,500 reward to anyone with information leading to an arrest and conviction.
“Fortunately law enforcement got them to our shelter quickly to ensure that they received the care they desperately needed,” Humane Society of Vero Beach officials said in a Facebook post. “They will require further medical treatment before they can be made available for adoption.”
An Indian River Sheriff’s deputy located the dogs April 9 in the 4300 block of 25th Street Southwest, Vero Beach, just above the southern county border line. The humane society posted pictures of the canines to its Facebook page.
Anyone with tips on the case should contact the sheriff’s office at 772-569-6700.
“Thank you to our amazing team who stayed at the shelter into the wee hours of the night to ensure these dogs each received all of the love and care they deserved,” The Humane Society of Vero Beach officials said. “Your support is critical in helping us be there for animals in need, no matter what. Please consider donating today.”
Photos provided by Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County
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- PHOTO PROVIDED BY HUMANE SOCIETY OF VERO BEACH & INDIAN RIVER COUNTY
