GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. — An 8-week-old puppy is safe and receiving care after Green Cove Springs police discovered the dog confined inside a sailboat during an investigation last week, according to police records obtained by HomeFetch.
The puppy was found June 1 after officers responded to information about firearms allegedly being kept aboard a sailboat near the city boat ramp. Police boarded the vessel with the owner’s consent and conducted a search, according to an incident report.
During the investigation, officers found the puppy confined inside the hull of the sailboat, leading to a separate animal cruelty investigation.
Investigators estimated the temperature inside the the boat at between 97 and 103 degrees Fahrenheit. Officers reported the puppy did not have access to food or water and noted there was no ventilation or temperature-control equipment inside the boat.
The puppy was not wearing a collar and appeared to be suffering from a flea infestation and dermatitis.
The animal cruelty case remains open.
The puppy was transferred to Clay County Animal Services and is doing well, a spokesperson for Clay County told HomeFetch.
Shelter officials said Clay County’s animal shelter is currently overwhelmed and in need of additional foster homes for dogs. Residents interested in helping are encouraged to consider fostering not only this puppy, when available, but other dogs currently in the shelter’s care.
Information about fostering and adoption opportunities is available through Clay County Animal Services.
