The heartless woman suspected of dumping a bag of days-old puppies in Coachella, California, had dozens of pooches seized from her home.
Deborah Culwell, 54, was arrested Monday after seven discarded pups were left in 90-degree weather next to a dumpster behind a Napa Auto Parts store, according to the Riverside County Department of Animal Services.
Officers dispatched to arrest Culwell around 5:30 p.m. discovered her property was “overrun” with 38 more dogs — which were then removed from the Coachella residence.
“Most of the dogs appeared to be in somewhat healthy condition, but some were aggressive or fearful,” the department said. “The house was in a state of disrepair.”
Animal control worked past 8 p.m. to transport all the dogs to Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms, officials said. The dumped puppies’ mom may be among the dogs confiscated from the home.
Culwell’s arrest comes after surveillance footage was widely circulated of her exiting her Jeep and tossing the newborn puppies near the trash Thursday.
The dogs were rescued by a store employee and brought to an animal center, where they’re being bottle-fed, according to officials.
The alleged puppy dumper faces up to seven counts of felony animal cruelty. She was booked at Indio Jail on $10,000 bail.