RELATED: Woman Arrested After Video of Her Allegedly Tossing Bag Full of Puppies Into Dumpster Goes Viral
On late Monday afternoon, Riverside County Animal Services arrested Culwell at her home, RCAS Senior Public Information Specialist John Welsh confirmed to PEOPLE.
While they were in her home, authorities allegedly found the other 38 dogs. “We were uncertain who would care for the dogs after she was arrested,” RCAS told PEOPLE in an email, “so we were forced to impound all 38.”
The dogs were in what appeared to be fair condition, although some had some skin issues and exhibited aggressive or fearful temperaments, Animal Services said.
“This woman’s alleged actions showed total disregard to those seven newborns,” Animal Services Commander Chris Mayer said in a statement. “The 38 dogs found at her home were not in conditions consistent with responsible pet ownership.”
Welsh said the dogs will be moved to placed for adoption if Culwell relinquishes ownership of the impounded dogs. “She needs to sign over the dogs to county, he said via email. “She has 10 days to do so; then we can legally be allowed to have a disposition (adopt, transfer to rescue) for each dog.”
As of Thursday, Culwell had yet to relinquish ownership of the dogs.
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Culwell was held at Indio Jail until she posted $10,000 bail on Tuesday. She was charged with seven counts of felony animal cruelty and four counts of misdemeanor abandoning animals, according to inmate records.
Culwell is scheduled to appear in court at Indio Larson Justice Center on June 18. At this time, it is unclear why she allegedly tossed the bag of puppies into the dumpster.
It wasn’t immediately clear if Culwell has retained a lawyer to comment on her behalf.
RCAS says Culwell has refused to speak with investigators, but authorities are continuing to investigate the case.
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