Seven helpless puppies were ‘stuffed’ in a suitcase and dumped on a busy road

As more and more dogs get abandoned due to the cost of living crisis, police come across animal cruelty cases and have to rescue pets from life-threatening situations.

Two officers from Tampa, Florida, were in disbelief when they found a dumped dog who was running around a busy neighbourhood in an attempt to raise an alarm about her weeks-old puppies. The youngsters were ‘stuffed’ inside a closed suitcase and were in imminent danger.

Thankfully, with the police officers’ help, the whole canine family is now safe and sound.

‘Stuffed a suitcase’

Police officers couldn’t believe their eyes when they came across a distressed dog running around a busy Florida neighbourhood. They rescued the pooch and brought her to the police department, to the delight of their colleagues.

As the dog was restless, the force decided to go back to the scene and investigate further. Upon arrival, they noticed a closed suitcase, and something was squealing inside. When the officers carefully opened the bag, they weren’t prepared for what they were about to see: seven tiny puppies were sitting on top of each other, looking helpless and terrified. They were clearly desperate to reunite with their mum - the dog the officers had just rescued hours before.

Safe, at last

Along with their relieved mum, the puppies were taken to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.

The charity wrote on Facebook:

We are so grateful they returned to the scene to save these puppies! Mom, a Terrier Mix, is here resting, and all 7 5-week-old puppies are in our puppy nursery being taken care of by our amazing staff.

Despite being a little dehydrated, all eight dogs are doing great. They aren’t ready to be adopted yet but are enjoying all the love and snuggles from shelter staff in the meantime.

Regan Blessinger, the spokesperson for the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, said:

They’re super playful and happy, growing and getting stronger. [Soon], they’ll be ready for their forever homes!

While it’s still unclear how the puppies wound up in the suitcase, the investigation continues.

Sources used:

- The Dodo: 'Police Officers Find Abandoned Suitcase And Hear ‘Squeals’ Coming From Inside'