Puppies dumped at Hayden animal shelter

Companions Animal Center isn't accepting surrenders because its kennels are full, but that isn't stopping people from dumping dogs there.

Someone left five pit bull mix puppies in a plastic tote outside CAC's doors this week. 

Development director Vicky Nelson said that cameras recorded a person drive up in a vehicle about 11 a.m. and leave a crate from the car near the front doors.

The vehicle's license plate was obscured, and the person was wearing a hoodie, Nelson said.

Nelson said the puppies were about 3 months old, weighed about 15 pounds each and were in good health.

The dogs are in demand.

One has already been adopted, and another is spoken for, Nelson said. The other three are up for adoption.

CAC remains at canine capacity, with about 50 dogs total, and 20 of those available for adoption. It also has about 25 puppies in a foster home program. 

That's why Nelson said they stopped taking surrenders several months ago. She said while dumping of dogs at CAC is unusual, it is happening more often.

A new wing is expected to open early next year. It will add 22 kennels.

Nelson said it is illegal to abandon animals. Anyone who must give up a pet should try to find it a home or contact CAC or other animal services for advice on what to do.

"Give us a heads up, and we'll work with them on it," Nelson said.