An animal shelter in Virginia is asking the public for help after eight puppies were discovered abandoned in a sealed container.
In a Facebook statement shared Tuesday, Feb. 10, the Eastern Shore Regional Animal Control Facility said the puppies were found near the Historic Onancock School in Onancock on Jan. 31. The shelter reported that a person came across a closed black container holding the puppies around 7 a.m. and drilled air holes so the animals could be transported safely. The shelter said one puppy did not survive.
Local outlets WAVY and Shore Daily News reported that the 105-year-old school suffered a fire on Jan. 31 that caused internal damage.
The shelter said it does not know how the puppies ended up at the location and is seeking information about where they came from and who was responsible for them. Tips can be submitted anonymously by text to 757-709-8103.
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The facility also noted that it will not respond to messages asking whether the puppies are available for adoption. The animals must complete an eight-day hold while staff attempt to locate an owner, unless an owner comes forward to surrender them.
“This is simply trying to understand their background so we can move forward appropriately,” the shelter said, adding that community support helps ensure the puppies receive the care they need.
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The shelter first appealed for information on Feb. 7, describing the situation as “concerning and unusual” and asking the public for any details that could clarify what happened.
In a reminder to residents, the shelter said anyone who finds an animal has 48 hours to report it to local authorities. Officials added that suspected cases of animal abandonment should be reported to the local sheriff’s department and animal shelter.
