Eight dead puppies were found in a sealed plastic bag outside of a Humane Society. A guy from Missouri was arrested in connection with their deaths.
The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office says that 30-year-old Seth Vaile is being charged with eight counts of minor animal abuse.
The probable cause statement says the sealed plastic bag was left outside the Humane Society around 10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 8, “between some bushes, halfway on the sidewalk, and in the sun.”
A vet said that the puppies died because they were too tired from being in the heat.
“It was very sad,” says Derek Walrod, Chief Deputy for the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office. “I don’t understand why they did it when they were closed.” It could have been avoided for sure.”
He says “The veterinarian said the puppies were estimated to be about five weeks old.”
They said on Facebook that the puppies were left in a place where staff could not easily see them.
“Why didn’t you just leave them by the door?” In the post, Connie, who runs the Joplin Humane Society, said it. “These senseless deaths break our hearts all over again…” I need your help to get the word out that this is NOT OK!”
Police say that Vaile was caught thanks to surveillance images and tips from the public.
According to a news release from the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, several anonymous people called with information during the investigation. This was made possible by concerned citizens sharing the post that the Joplin Humane Society had made.
According to the sheriff’s office, 36-year-old Samuel Allen was taken into custody because he was named as “a person of interest.” Allen is said to have outstanding warrants.
The sheriff’s office said that they are still looking into the deaths and that more charges may be brought later.