Crime & Safety

'Dumped' Pup Case Stirs Outcry, Triggers Probe

A tiny female puppy nicknamed "Gem" was found amid bottles and cans and other recyclables on a conveyer belt at a San Francisco dump site.

Bay City News Service

Workers at a San Francisco recycling facility found an injured 10-week-old puppy that had apparently been thrown away on Friday, Dec. 20. 

The tiny female puppy, an apricot-colored poodle nicknamed "Gem," was found after being unloaded onto a conveyor belt at a Recology dump in a truckload of bottles, cans and other recyclables, according to San Francisco Animal Care and Control. 

Gem, who was conscious and alert when she was found by workers, had numerous bite marks around her neck, head, and ears, according to the SFACC. She was also suffering from lameness in her hind legs and had discharge in her eyes and ears. 

Gem is expected to survive. Veterinarians believe the puppy suffered most of her injuries before being thrown away. 

Animal control officers released photos of Gem on Sunday and are asking for the public's help in finding out who owned her and how she ended up in a recycling truck. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact San Francisco Animal Care and Control at (415) 554-9400.

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