VINELAND, NJ – One of the long-term issues left behind by the COVID-19 pandemic and the current inflation crisis across America is pet owners abandoning pets they can no longer care for. While’s it’s unsure why somebody decided to place a young Chihuahua in a bag, soaking in its own feces and urine, this pup will live to see another day.
That’s thanks to another dog owner who happened to notice the bag while walking his own dog.
“We are sickened by a blatant act of animal cruelty that occurred today to a sweet & innocent little Chihuahua, Coco. Late this morning, a man walking his dog behind Gerresheimer’s Glass (along the railroad tracks at 537 Christel Avenue in Vineland) noticed a bag on the ground when his dog was reacting to it,” the South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter said. “He saw the bag move and heard something inside. He immediately picked up the bag and brought it to the shelter. Inside was a young female Chihuahua.”
The dog and the bags she was in were soaked with urine.
Coco was visibly shaken and lucky to be alive. Coco was evaluated by the vet.
“This horrific act of cruelty has been reported to the Vineland Police Department,” the shelter said.
Now, a $1,000 reward is being offered to bring justice to Coco’s abuser.
“While Coco is resting comfortably in a foster home, the person or persons responsible is still unknown,” the shelter added. “SJRAS is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Coco’s abuser.”
Contact the Vineland Police Department (856-691-4111) if you have information or know who committed this deliberate act of cruelty.