Puppies Discarded In Trash Found In Howell

HOWELL, NJ — A good Samaritan rescued a litter of nine puppies that were left in a box near piles of trash at Collingwood Auction in Howell, the Monmouth County SPCA said.

Officials said the puppies, which were found over the weekend, were about 24 hours old, and some had their umbilical cords attached.

Shortly after being rescued, one puppy died, the SPCA said.

The puppies were taken by SPCA medical staff and given individual tube-feedings because they were lethargic and suffering from dehydration. As of Wednesday, the remaining eight puppies were on their way to recovery, officials said.

"When we see cases like this, it immediately becomes the priority of our humane law enforcement officers," said Ross Licitra, executive director of the Monmouth County SPCA.

Licitra urged anyone with information about who may have dumped the puppies to contact the Monmouth County Cruelty Hotline by calling 877-898-7297 or the Monmouth County Prosecutors Tip Line at 800-671-4400.