18 Puppies Found Dumped on Dead-End New Jersey Street Now Looking for Loving Homes
More than a dozen puppies are safe and receiving care after they were reportedly abandoned together on a dead-end street in New Jersey.
Common Sense for Animals said in a June 23 Facebook post that 18 mixed-breed puppies were discovered in Rahway after apparently being dumped near Jefferson Avenue.
The puppies were found on Saturday, June 20, according to local station WABC.
Concerned residents reportedly gathered the frightened animals and brought them into a nearby home while waiting for animal control officers to arrive.
The puppies were then transported to Common Sense for Animals, a New Jersey animal shelter where they have since received medical attention.
Shelter workers believe the puppies are about 4 months old.
Photos shared online show the adorable pups with a variety of white, brown and dark brown markings. In one image, a puppy stares up at the camera while several of its siblings wander nearby. Another shows two puppies standing inside their pens.
Police are now trying to determine who left the animals behind.
Witnesses reportedly spotted a gray SUV in the area shortly before the puppies were discovered, according to the Rahway Police Department.
Authorities said they believe the puppies may have been intentionally abandoned, but no arrests have been made.
The puppies were placed on a mandatory seven-day stray hold, which has now ended. No owner came forward to claim them.
Police said the puppies will soon be made available for adoption, although it remains unclear which adoption center will ultimately handle their placement.
“The puppies have received all necessary medical care and are all doing well,” the department said in a statement.
Common Sense for Animals is also searching for foster families who can temporarily care for the puppies for anywhere from two weeks to two months or longer.
“These puppies are friendly and sweet, but not really socialized,” the shelter said. “They are not housebroken and are just starting out their new lives.”
Shelter workers warned that the pups will need plenty of patience, attention and affection as they adjust to life inside a home.
“They need a lot of love, time and patience,” the organization added.
The puppies recently received the first of three required vaccinations. Until they complete the vaccination series, they should not visit dog parks or leave a foster owner’s property.
The shelter encouraged anyone prepared for the responsibility of caring for a young dog to submit an application to foster.
Once the investigation and any related court proceedings are resolved, the puppies are expected to become available for permanent adoption.