Arizona Humane Society takes in 7 puppies abandoned in plastic bin

PHOENIX — The Arizona Humane Society (AHS) is giving newborn pit bull puppies critical care after they were abandoned in a plastic bin outside the shelter’s Sunnyslope campus earlier this week.

The days-old puppies were discovered by AHS employees on Monday morning, according to a post on the AHS Facebook page. The puppies had been left at the shelter overnight for an unknown amount of time and were hypothermic because they’re too young to regulate their body temperatures.

The puppies became vocal and more active as AHS staff used heating pads to raise their temperatures while taking them to AHS’ Lazin Animal Foundation Trauma Hospital.

One of the puppies died and the outlook for the other six is not known. AHS said the puppies will continue to receive care until they are cleared to go to a foster home.

AHS said the abandonment of the litter serves as a reminder of animal welfare issues in Maricopa County.

AHS cared for more than 22,000 sick, injured and abused pets in 2024, which was the most in a decade according to the organization. AHS also noted that due to population growth, increased home prices, evictions and shortage of affordable pet care, more pet owners are faced with the decision to rehome pets, which has led to an increase in abandonments.

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