Puppy In Container Sparks Animal Cruelty Investigation: Police

COLUMBIA, MD — The Howard County Police Department is asking for information about the owner of a 10-week old brindle pit bull puppy found in a storage container in Columbia over the weekend.

The puppy could not move and was covered in urine and feces, according to police, who believe the animal was left for dead in a Columbia neighborhood.

A resident alerted authorities at 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 25, that a container with holes drilled in it was put in a grassy area along Braeburn Road sometime that afternoon, police reported.

When she opened the container, she found an emaciated puppy inside who could neither stand nor move, according to police.

An animal control officer responded and took the dog to an emergency clinic, where veterinarians provided immediate medical care. Police said the puppy had open wounds and missing fur, was extremely malnourished and was covered in urine and feces.

Despite the condition he was in when the puppy arrived at the vet, police said he has been receptive to treatment and is responding well.

Authorities say they have received multiple requests to adopt the dog, nicknamed "Eddy," who may be adopted once he has undergone a lengthy recovery process.

Anyone with information about the owner or person who discarded the puppy is asked to call Howard County Animal Control at 410-313-2780 or email animal control officials at animalcontrol@howardcountymd.gov.

Photos courtesy of the Howard County Police Department.