Arrest made in puppy dumping case

MENOMINEE, Mich. - Authorities say a man has been arrested for allegedly leaving six puppies in a dumpster last month in Menominee, Mich.

Police are not naming the suspect since he has not been charged. Menominee County assistant prosecuting attorney Bill Merkel said he is still reviewing the police report and that he hopes to make a charging decision soon.

The six Labrador mix puppies were found in a plastic bag on Nov. 24 in a dumpster behind the Holiday Gas Station. The week-old pups were rushed to the Menominee Animal Shelter but were in such bad shape that the shelter had no choice but to put them down.

Nancy Dechert, the manager of the Menominee Animal Shelter, tells FOX 11 that when police arrested the suspect in the case they found three surviving puppies from the litter and their mother at the suspect's home. Dechert says police brought the dogs to the shelter on Sunday and that they are all in good condition. The mother, named Nala, is a German shorthaired pointer.

"I hope he can't have pets anymore. This is not how you treat life and he doesn't deserve to have dogs if he can dispose of them that easily," said Dechert.

Authorities say the suspect is free since he has not been charged. He's only being described as a man from Menominee.

Police are recommending charges of cruelty to animals.