Woman accused of dumping 7 puppies in trash had 38 dogs in her house, police say
COACHELLA, Calif. (FOX 35 ORLANDO) - A woman arrested for dumping seven puppies into a trash bin in Coachella reportedly had 38 dogs inside her home, according to the Riverside County Animal Services.
Deborah Sue Culwell, 54, was arrested Monday on animal abuse charges. At her home, police reportedly discovered dozens of dogs, living in a state of "state of disrepair."
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The dogs were removed from her home and were taken to the Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms.
According to a press release from animal services, the 38 dogs appeared somewhat healthy, but some were described as fearful or aggressive.
Culwell is currently facing seven felony counts of animal cruelty, one for each puppy that was dumped.
According to Fox News, security cameras seemingly caught Culwell on Thursday afternoon driving up behind a store and getting out with a plastic bag. The woman then was seen walking toward the bin and dropping the clear, plastic bag nearby before driving away.
A man named John began rummaging through the trash and discovered puppies still alive about an hour later, officials said.