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Puppies Sezied From Under Van Seats
Man Allegedly Tried To Smuggle Puppies Across Border

POSTED: 3:11 pm PDT April 12, 2006
UPDATED: 3:29 pm PDT April 12, 2006

SAN DIEGO -- More than two dozen puppies -- some of them ailing -- were seized from a motorist who authorities alleged tried to smuggle them through the Otay Mesa Port of Entry, authorities reported Wednesday.

Customs agents found the three- to five-week-old Chihuahuas, boxers, cocker spaniels and poodle mixes under the front seats of a van that entered the United States Tuesday night, according to the San Diego County Department of Animal Services.

"Some of the 28 puppies needed immediate medical care and were taken to an emergency veterinary clinic," DAS Director Dawn Danielson said.

Carlos Lopez of Los Angeles was cited on animal cruelty counts -- one for each canine found beneath the vehicle's seats, concealed by strips of tape.


The suspect allegedly had planned to sell the puppies at a swap meet.