Tips Sought: Dead Puppy Abandoned In Crate In San Diego

SAN DIEGO, CA — The San Diego Humane Society is seeking the public's help in finding the person who abandoned a severely emaciated puppy who was found dead in a crate on a sidewalk in San Diego's Encanto neighborhood.

The case was reported to the nonprofit organization April 29. Humane officers found the deceased dog locked inside the crate, which was wrapped with blankets, on 62nd St. near the MTS Trolley Station. A witness said she saw the crate there the night before, according to the Humane Society.

The puppy was taken to the Humane Society's San Diego campus. After an examination and a necropsy, veterinarians determined the 7- to 8-month-old puppy likely died from starvation.

"This is the second time in less than a month that our Humane officers are investigating an abandoned dog who starved to death in San Diego County," Chief of Humane Law Enforcement Bill Ganley said.

"While we don't believe these cases are related, we do want everyone to know: If you need help caring for your pet, please reach out to us before it gets to this point. If anyone has information about this heartbreaking case or has witnessed anything, we ask that you let us know."

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477. Tipsters can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward up to $1,000.

Anyone who needs help caring for their pets can contact the San Diego Humane Society. The organization is an open-admission shelter, meaning it will never turn away an animal in need.

Report animal cruelty or neglect to the Humane Society at 619-299-7012.