Woman suspected of tossing puppies into trash bin relinquishes 38 dogs found in her home

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – A Coachella woman suspected of dumping 3-day-old puppies in a trash bin has relinquished the 38 dogs officials seized from her home last week as the puppies continue to make progress.

Deborah Sue Culwell relinquished the 38 dogs late Friday afternoon, and they could be available for adoption later this week, Riverside County Animal Services spokesman John Welsh said in a news release Monday. 

The dogs have been at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms since they were seized from Culwell’s home at the time of her arrest on April 22.

38 dogs found:Woman accused of dumping puppies in trash bin had 38 dogs in her home

Culwell arrested:Woman arrested after 3-day-old puppies dumped in a trash bin in Coachella

Culwell was arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty and animal abandonment after authorities identified her as the woman seen on a surveillance video tossing a plastic bag containing seven puppies into a trash bin outside the NAPA Auto Parts store in Coachella on April 18.

At the time of her arrest, animal services officers found another 38 dogs living in her home, which authorities described as being in a state of disrepair. 

The dogs, found to be in good health overall, remain at the animal campus in Thousand Palms and will be made available for adoption or transfer to the department’s rescue group partner organizations this week, Welsh said.

Meanwhile, Riverside County Animal Services’ veterinary staff members will coordinate the dogs’ spay and neuter surgeries as soon as possible, he said.

26 cats rescued:Animals rescued from apartment after owner spotted throwing them out window

Because several of the dogs appeared to have recently given birth, officials could not tell which animal was the mother of rescued puppies.

Culwell has since told officials that they are from two different litters, Welsh said, and for now, there is no plan to reintroduce them to their mothers.

The puppies are being fostered by a volunteer with MeoowzResQ, a Southern California rescue group. One of them, believed to be the runt of the litter, died Wednesday night.

The remaining six puppies are doing well and have all opened their eyes. 

“The woman who has graciously dedicated many hours and a fair amount of her own money toward these abandoned puppies is doing a great job,” said Dr. Allan Drusys, the Animal Services director and chief veterinarian.

“We don’t want to interrupt her wonderful work with the two mothers, especially since time has passed and the mothers may reject the pups at this stage."

Culwell was released last week on $10,000 bail and is due back in court on June 18.

Follow Sherry Barkas on Twitter @TDSSherryBarkas