Upon hearing the lawyer for the woman accused of disposing of seven newborn puppies in a plastic bag into a dumpster in Coachella, California declare that “puppies aren't people”, gasps of shock and disbelief were heard in the courtroom. On Thursday, prosecutors had requested that the bail amount for Deborah Sue Culwell, 54, be increased. Joseph Cavanaugh, Culwell's lawyer, then attempted to argue that as puppies are not people, his client should not be held to the same standard as someone who harms a human being in order to keep her bail amount lower.
The judge ruled in favor of the prosecution and raised Culwell's bail from $10,000 to $50,000. She is accused of seven counts of felony animal cruelty and seven counts of misdemeanor abandoning of animals. She had been released on April 23 on $10,000 bail, however on Thursday, prosecutors successfully argued that it should be raised to $50,000.
Security footage of a woman, believed to be Culwell, tossing the puppies into a dumpster on April 18 spread quickly online. Fortunately, all 7 of the puppies were saved and given a foster home. Sadly, one of the puppies passed away a week later. Upon searching her residence, investigators discovered nearly 40 other dogs living in terrible conditions. These dogs have been surrendered to Riverside Animal Services.
Culwell has declared their innocence on all counts.