Abandoned puppies doing well; others soon up for adoption

The six surviving puppies of the seven that were dropped into a dumpster are doing well, according to animal services officials. Photo by Noni Boen Schirm

The six surviving newborn puppies dropped into a dumpster by a Coachella woman are doing well and the suspect has relinquished ownership of her 38 other dogs, according to a Riverside County Animal Services news release.

Authorities seized the pets April 22 at the residence of Deborah Sue Culwell, who was arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty. She relinguished ownership of the dogs April 27. The cruelty case is under review at the District Attorney's Office.

Video surveillance behind a Coachella business showed the suspect abandoning seven puppies in a plastic bag April 18. One of the puppies died. The other six are in the care of a foster volunteer, identified as Noni Boen Schirm. Culwell admitted that the abandoned puppies are from two different litters.

"“We’re not surprised by the admission," Commander Chris Mayer said. "On the day we seized the dogs, we noticed that several of the dogs appeared to have had recent litters."

Allan Drusys, animal services director, said the foster volunteer is taking excellent care of the surviving puppies

"The woman who has graciously dedicated many hours and a fair amount of her own money toward these abandoned puppies is doing a great job," said Dr. Drusys, the county’s chief veterinarian. "We don’t want to interrupt her wonderful work with the two mothers, especially since time has passed and the mothers may reject the pups at this stage."

The 38 seized dogs are housed at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms. They will be made available for adoption or transfer to rescue group partner organizations this week. Veterinary staff members will conduct the dogs' spay and neuter surgeries soon.

Here is a view from Riverside County Animal Services showing some of the dogs seized from the residence: