33 Dogs Rescued from Truck in Riverside County

33 dogs are in the care of an animal welfare organization after being rescued from a box truck and SUV in Murrieta on May 1.

Murrieta Police Department officers responded to reports of trespassing on the 41000 block of Guava Street around 6:30 p.m. Upon arrival, officers discovered a 15-foot U-Haul truck with two dogs locked inside the cab and heard barking from the cargo area. Inside the back of the truck, they found 21 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, several of which were pregnant. The cargo area lacked ventilation and air conditioning, leaving the dogs with matted fur and limited access to food and water.

The dogs’ owner arrived at the scene in an SUV containing 12 more dogs. The suspect, whose identity was not disclosed, was arrested on charges of animal cruelty, animal abandonment, and leaving animals unattended in a vehicle. On May 27, the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office charged the suspect with 21 felony counts of animal cruelty and two misdemeanor charges.

All 33 dogs were taken to Animal Friends of the Valleys in Lake Elsinore for evaluation and veterinary care. They will remain there for recovery and rehabilitation. The Murrieta Police Department expressed gratitude to the community and Animal Friends of the Valleys for their assistance in ensuring the safety of the animals.