Around 7 p.m., while patrolling the Queens district of New York City, officers noticed a woman engaged in a suspicious transaction. Instead of adopting from a shelter, she was purchasing a puppy from a pink backpack.
Finding the situation strange, the officers intervened and confiscated the bag. Body camera footage reveals the moment they used a knife to carefully cut open the tied-up bag, revealing five adorable pit bull puppies, gasping for fresh air.
"They're dripping with sweat. These dogs could have been dead in five minutes," one officer remarked.
Arrest and Immediate Care
The woman responsible for this heartless act, 44-year-old Shirley Medina, was arrested on the spot for the illegal sale and animal cruelty, as reported by the New York Post.
The officers ensured the puppies' well-being, providing water to each of the dehydrated pups, including the one that had already been sold.
The swift actions of the NYPD were crucial in preventing a dire outcome for these vulnerable animals.
ASPCA Steps In
Following their rescue, the six pit bull puppies were handed over to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
An ASPCA spokesperson praised the NYPD's quick response, stating, "Thanks to the efforts of the New York City Police Department, the puppies were able to receive help quickly."
The intervention not only saved the puppies' lives but also highlighted the importance of vigilance and compassion in ensuring animal welfare.
