Several puppies and adult dogs rescued from an overly hot car at the border crossing in San Ysidro will be available for adoption Tuesday, according to the San Diego County Department of Animal Services.
Nearly two dozen canines, mostly ranging from 2 to 6 months old, were found Saturday afternoon inside crates in the vehicle. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials thought they were dead at first.
They appeared to revive when exposed to fresh air, but two required veterinary attention. Those two recovered and joined the other dogs at the county shelter in Bonita.
The driver of the SUV said the dogs were last given water about 5 1/2 hours before he was stopped at the border, according to Animal Services Director Dawn Danielson.
"The driver said he picked up the dogs in Tijuana and was taking them to Los Angeles, but we don't know what the final outcome of these animals would have been," Danielson said. "Under federal regulations, it's illegal to
import animals under 6 months old for resale."
The driver, Daniel Canedo, was arrested on suspicion of 23 misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty, authorities said.
The adult dogs and some of the puppies will be available for adoption beginning Tuesday, according to Animal Services. Other puppies -- among them shepherds, Labradors, Chihuahuas, hounds and terrier blends -- were taken in by rescue groups.
