Couple Caught on Camera Dumping Dog and 11 Puppies Outside of Closed Animal Shelter

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in identifying a couple that abandoned a dog and eleven puppies outside of a closed Defuniak Springs, Florida animal shelter.

It was just before noon on Sunday when a couple was captured on surveillance video pulling up outside the Walton County Animal Shelter in a white Ford F-150 pickup truck. A woman steps out of the truck with a black dog happily following her. While she’s standing in front of the shelter, poking through a pile of donations left by the entry, a man exits the truck carrying a box. After placing the box on the ground, the couple continue rifling through the donations for a moment.

A sign on the front door, right where the couple was standing, reads, “STOP, do not bring your animal inside. For assistance call, (850) 892-8758.” But, instead of calling, they simply returned to the truck and backed away, leaving the black dog behind to fend for herself.

Because it was Sunday, the shelter was closed to the public. Thankfully, staff were on hand to care for animals after-hours. Still, about an hour went by before they saw the dog peering through the windows into the shelter. On further investigation, they realized there were 11 puppies inside the box by the door.

The momma dog and her 11 puppies were quickly brought inside and given safe shelter.

Now, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office are asking for help to identify the couple. They posted the surveillance video to Facebook with the following message:

“We are sharing this information with you all for three reasons.

1. If you are having trouble caring for your pets, PLEASE reach out to Walton County Animal Services, Florida. Dumping animals is ILLEGAL and these individuals could face criminal charges. Reaching out does not mean dropping animals off on a day when the shelter is closed and leaving them for dead. It means picking up the phone and allowing Animal Services employees to provide a time for intake and to collect information about your animals.

2. These dogs have clearly had a rough 24 hours. Abandoned just days before Christmas and left out in the cold. There is no indication of what kind of treatment these animals received before coming to the shelter. But, they are in good hands now. The puppies appear to be friendly, although momma dog is wary of people (and who could blame her.) Alaqua Animal Refuge has offered to take the dogs in. If you are able to open your home to these animals, please reach out to them by visiting alaqua.org/how-to-help/foster-an-animal/.

3. If you can identify the people in this video, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (850)-892-8111.”

Anyone who can identify the individuals in the video is asked to contact the Walton County Sheriff’s Office at 850-892-8111.

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