Raw video: California woman caught on camera dumping newborn puppies next to a dumpster
The woman was arrested on suspicion of felony animal cruelty. The seven puppies were rescued and are now in the care of a foster volunteer.
One of the seven puppies that were rescued after being dropped behind the back of a dumpster in California last week has died, according to animal services.
The foster volunteer who took in the pups said they believe the one who died was either the runt of the litter, or might have been at the bottom of the plastic bag that was dumped behind an auto parts store in Coachella on April 18.
38 DOGS IMPOUNDED FROM HOME OF COACHELLA WOMAN WHO ALLEGEDLY DUMPED 7 PUPPIES NEXT TO DUMPSTER
"He was just so weak and held on for as long as he could," the foster wrote in a Facebook post. "When I got him he was pale and kind of flat looking, so I think he was the cushion that saved his siblings."
The volunteer believes "he was at the bottom and took the hit when all of his siblings landed on him," but the other six dogs, who were around 3 days old when they were discovered last week, are "thriving."
Deborah Sue Culwell, 54, was arrested at her home in Coachella, California, on Monday, officials said. (Riverside County Animal Services)
Surveillance footage was released of 54-year-old Deborah Sue Culwell allegedly dumping the litter of pups. She was arrested at her home on Monday, where Riverside County Animal Services found and impounded 38 dogs living in squalor.
"Most of the dogs appeared to be in somewhat healthy condition, but some were aggressive or fearful," John Welsh, of Riverside County Animal Services, said in a news release. "The house was in a state of disrepair."
Authorities impounded 38 dogs from Culwell's home. (Riverside County Animal Services)
The 38 dogs are currently being cared for at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms, where veterinarians said none of the dogs appear to have serious illnesses.
Culwell, meanwhile, still maintains ownership of the dogs, according to Welsh. He said that each day the 38 dogs remain in the care of Riverside County Animal Services, Culwell is billed $570 in boarding and care fees. That number excludes the cost of "vaccinations, examination fees, medications, nor state-mandated fees" that are necessary for the dogs.
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Officials said Culwell has 10 days to request a hearing to maintain or relinquish ownership of the dogs, but after that period is over, animal services can work to rehome the dogs.
Culwell faces up to seven felony counts of animal cruelty. According to online records from the Riverside County Sheriff's Office, she's scheduled to appear in court on June 18.
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