Woman caught on camera dumping puppies behind store in Coachella

COACHELLA, Calif. (FOX 11) - A woman caught on security video throwing a bag full of puppies next to a dumpster at a store in Coachella is being investigated for animal cruelty and authorities are hoping the public can help identify her.

Security video from a Napa Auto Parts store located at 49251 Grapefruit Boulevard shows a woman in a white Wrangler Jeep driving up to a dumpster behind the store on Thursday. She then tosses a bag filled with seven puppies into a trash bin.

About an hour later, a passerby rummaging through the trash discovered the puppies still alive despite the mid-90s heat, and quickly brought the bag full of puppies into the store, according to Riverside County Animal Services.

Animal Services says had it not been for the Good Samaritan, the puppies would not have survived much longer.

The puppies are being cared for by an Orange County rescue shelter. The Riverside Animal Services Department is hoping someone will recognize the woman and turn her in.