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The puppies were about three days old and are believed to be terrier mixes, according to the release.
“If not for the Good Samaritan’s actions, the puppies may not have survived much longer,” the release stated. “The mid-day temperatures in Coachella on Thursday were in the mid-90s range.”
“There is no excuse for dumping puppies,” the release continued. “Especially in today’s age when we or other shelters would be willing to get these animals to foster parents or rescue partners. This was a shameful act.”
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Welsh also made sure to recognize the man who heard the puppies in the dumpster and sought help.
“Two elements that made this extra egregious was that the bag was tied shut and it was a clear bag, so you can’t say, ‘Oh I thought I was throwing out my curlers,’” he explains to PEOPLE.
“The bag being tied shut on a day where temperatures were in the mid-90s in Coachella — the likelihood that those pups would’ve survived if not for that passerby would’ve been impossible, if not for that person recognizing that something was wrong,” he says. “I think the puppies were yelping or crying and that’s what attracted him to the trash can.”
“Folks were really shocked by the total disregard for the puppies’ lives,” Welsh adds.