Pit Bull Puppies Abandoned At Multiple Salem Locations: Police

SALEM, MA — At least five pit bull puppies — believed to have been abused and neglected — were abandoned at multiple locations in Salem early Sunday morning, according to Salem police.

Police said two dogs were recovered from the North Street and Federal Street area and they received reports of three additional dogs abandoned in the Proctor Street area. Police said two of those dogs were recovered but that one still may be on the loose as of Sunday afternoon.

"The abandoned dogs are malnourished, dehydrated, and show signs of abuse and neglect," police said. "Salem Police are actively investigating this as a case of animal cruelty."

Police said the MSPCA has been notified and is assisting in the care of the dogs.

Police ask that anyone with information on those responsible for abandoning the dogs contact them at the department's Criminal Investigation Division at 978-745-9700, Salem police dispatch at 978-744-1212, or the anonymous tip line at 978-619-5627.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)