Updated

Authorities say a smuggling suspect was arrested after 23 dogs — including 20 puppies packed in a nearly airless crate — were seized from an SUV at the U.S.-Mexico border.

The San Diego Union-Tribune reports (http://lat.ms/20Xfbbu ) the driver told officials at the San Ysidro border crossing on Saturday that he had picked up the dogs in Tijuana and was bound for Los Angeles. He said he had not given them water for more than five hours.

All the animals are expected to recover. The dogs — including Labradors, shepherds, hounds, terriers and Chihuahuas — will be offered for adoption.

The suspect, who was not named, could face multiple counts of animal cruelty.

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Information from: The San Diego Union-Tribune, http://www.utsandiego.com