The Eastern Shore Regional Animal Control Facility in Virginia shared the shocking discovery on Tuesday
NEED TO KNOW
- A Virginia shelter wants information about eight puppies who were found in a box with no air holes
- The Eastern Shore Regional Animal Control Facility revealed that eight puppies were found in a black container at the old Onancock School site that burned down on Jan. 31.
- ‘We do not know the circumstances that led to them being left there, and we are simply trying to understand their background so we can move forward appropriately,’ the facility said
An animal shelter is requesting help from the community to best serve close to a dozen new puppies in its care.
On Tuesday, Feb. 10, the Eastern Shore Regional Animal Control Facility in Virginia revealed in a statement on Facebook that they were seeking information after eight puppies were recently found in a closed black container with no air holes near the site of Historic Onancock School in Onancock, Va., on Jan. 31.
The shelter said that an individual found the closed black container full of pups around 7:00 a.m. According to WAVY and Shore Daily News, the 105-year-old Historic Onancock School, near where the puppies were found, suffered a fire on Jan. 31 that caused internal damage to the building.
“The finder did drill air holes in them to safely transport them to us, but wanted to bring the original container they were found in,” the shelter wrote in its post, alongside several shots of the puppies and the container. “Sadly, one puppy did not make it.”
The facility added that they were seeking information about the animals’ origins.
“We do not know the circumstances that led to them being left there, and we are simply trying to understand their background so we can move forward appropriately,” they said.
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People can send information about where the puppies came from or who was responsible for them ahead of their abandonment by texting anonymously to 757‑709‑8103.
“We will not respond to any messages asking if these puppies are available for adoption,” the shelter said. “They must complete the required 8‑day hold while we attempt to locate an owner, unless an owner chooses to come forward and sign them over.”
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The shelter added, “Thank you for helping us ensure these puppies receive the care and clarity they need.”
This is the shelter’s second appeal for help regarding the puppies. The shelter posted the first on Feb. 7, asking for any information “regarding eight puppies recently brought to us.”
“The circumstances are concerning and unusual, and we need more information to understand what truly happened,” the post added.
Eastern Shore Regional Animal Control Facility closed the post, reminding locals that “Anyone who finds an animal has 48 hours to report it to local authorities. This protects both the animals and any potential investigation.”
The shelter added that animals found abandoned should be reported to the local sheriff’s department and animal shelter.

























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