A woman who was caught on camera allegedly chucking a bag of newborn puppies next to a rubbish skip has been arrested, according to California authorities.
In the shocking video footage, shot in Coachella, California, the woman can be seen exiting her car with a small plastic carrier bag.
She opens the lid of a skip and peers inside, before deciding to toss the bag onto the ground instead.
A passerby discovered the bag and informed staff in a nearby shop. They then contacted animal services.
The puppies were around three days old and believed to be terrier mixes, according to Riverside County Animal Services.
"If not for the Good Samaritan's actions, the puppies may not have survived much longer," the animal services announced in a press release.
"The midday temperatures in Coachella on Thursday were in the mid-90s (around 35C) range."
Police arrested Deborah Sue Culwell, 54, outside her Coachella home on Monday, in connection with the incident.
The animal services’ veterinary team cared for the puppies and found a rescue group to bottle feed and house them.
"There is no excuse for dumping puppies," said animal services commander, Chris Mayer.
"Especially in today's age when we or other shelters would be willing to get these animals to foster parents or rescue partners. This was a shameful act."
Authorities further announced they had discovered 38 dogs living in Culwell’s home, which were "not in great condition" and not friendly. The dogs have since been taken to the Coachella Valley Animal Campus.
The 54-year-old is expected to face up to seven counts of felony animal cruelty.
