Chihuahua lucky to be alive after being found tied up inside 3 bags
"She was clearly gasping for air," said Jessica Morrison with the South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter.
VINELAND, New Jersey (WPVI) -- Authorities are investigating after an abandoned Chihuahua was found tied up in three bags near train tracks in Vineland, New Jersey over the weekend.
The South Jersey Regional Animal shelter says 1-year-old Coco would be dead if it wasn't for a passerby.
"When she came out of the bag, she was clearly gasping for air and had been without oxygen for enough time to take a toll on her," said Jessica Morrison, director of operations of the South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter.
The dog was found by a man walking his dog alongside railroad tracks on the 500 block of Christel Ave in Vineland.
Coco was reportedly discovered inside a duffle bag, which had been placed inside a plastic bag that was tied up inside a cloth shopping bag. Staff at the shelter say this was intentional.
Staff at the shelter say after a medical evaluation, Coco had no other signs of abuse other than being visibly shaken. She is now recovering at a foster home.
"It's remarkable that as traumatic as this was, it did not shake her trust in people," said Morrison. "She is one lucky dog."
Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact them.
The animal shelter is offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest.
