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Woman Arrested on Suspicion of Abandoning Puppies in Coachella Dumpster

A woman was arrested in Coachella, California, on April 22 on suspicion of abandoning seven puppies in a dumpster the previous week, according to Riverside County Animal Services.

Deborah Sue Culwell, 54, was arrested by Riverside County Animal Services Commander Chris Mayer at her home and was facing up to seven counts of felony animal cruelty, the agency said.

Surveillance footage shared by the agency shows a woman exiting her vehicle and throwing a trash bag into a dumpster behind an auto parts store. An employee of the store contacted authorities after a homeless man heard the puppies inside the bag, NBC Los Angeles reported. Officers discovered seven puppies in the bag, all three days old. The most recent footage shows that all seven puppies are still alive.

According to NBC Los Angeles, 38 dogs were removed from Culwell’s home. Credit: Riverside County Animal Services via Storyful