Home / Crime and Justice / Puppy Abandonment Pattern Sparks Concern in Old City
Puppy Abandonment Pattern Sparks Concern in Old City
22 Apr
Summary
- Seven puppies found abandoned, with six others missing.
- Similar incidents in December and April suggest a pattern.
- Authorities urge public to report any information anonymously.
Authorities in Philadelphia are investigating a disturbing trend of puppy abandonment in the Old City neighborhood. On Saturday, April 18, 2026, thirteen puppies were reported abandoned near Bread and Arch Streets. While seven puppies were found by PSPCA officers, six remained missing.
This recent discovery bears a striking resemblance to an incident on December 26, 2025, when a litter of six puppies, estimated to be three to four weeks old, was found in a nearby parking garage. The similarities between the two litters have led the Pennsylvania SPCA to suspect a connection and actively investigate this pattern.
The seven puppies found on April 18 are reportedly healthy and in foster care, with plans for adoption. The PSPCA is appealing to the public for any information concerning either litter, including the whereabouts of the missing puppies, who might have abandoned them, or their origins. Information can be reported anonymously to the Animal Cruelty Hotline.
