Barking From Abandoned U-Haul Truck Leads to Rescue of 25 Dogs

In a Thanksgiving Day mission, police rescued a group of dogs left abandoned inside a stolen U-Haul truck.

On November 23, Oregon State Police (OSP) responded to a call about a suspicious vehicle at the Love's Truck Stop in Klamath Falls, Oregon. When they arrived, troopers found the abandoned truck in the parking lot and were stunned to hear desperate barks from the enclosed cargo area.

The U-Haul truck, which had been reported stolen, was left stranded in the parking lot for about two days. With the sounds of distress emanating from the back, troopers wasted no time in obtaining a search warrant to investigate further.

Inside was a heartbreaking scene—seven cages containing 15 abandoned dogs, including puppies.

Described as "severely neglected" by police, the animals were thankfully all alive. Troopers swiftly contacted two suspects linked to the incident and successfully recovered an additional 10 dogs, bringing the total number of rescued animals to 25.

Animal abandonment is illegal in most states and is typically classified as animal abuse, a criminal offense. Laws generally require that an animal be provided with necessary food, water, shelter and veterinary care, and they make it illegal to abandon an animal by dumping it in a public place or leaving it anywhere without providing for its needs.

David Eugene McMillion, 50, was arrested for Animal Abandonment, Criminal Mischief II, Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle and Animal Neglect II, and Lisa Annette Weeks, 39, was charged with Animal Abandonment, Unauthorized Use of Vehicle and Animal Neglect II.

In a series of adorable pictures, the saved dogs were photographed with troopers and were quickly taken to Klamath County Animal Shelter for evaluation and care.

In hundreds of comments on the police department's official Facebook page, people shared their thanks and joy that the dogs had been safely found.

"Great work Troopers," said Angi, while Lynda said: "I'm so glad you rescued them!"

"Kudos troopers," said Shawn. "Bravo on a job well done!"

One of the puppies tested positive for Canine parvovirus, or parvo, a highly contagious viral infection in dogs that can be fatal if not quickly and properly treated.

All dogs currently at the shelter have been quarantined and the shelter sanitized to help prevent the further spread of the disease. Once they've all been medically cleared the dogs will be available for adoption, and the animal shelter has already received dozens of adoption applications.