Puppies Tied to Tree Under Bee Hive; Three Die, Two Fighting for Lives

Animal lovers – this is heart wrenching, but you can help.

Five puppies were left tied to a tree under an active bee hive on May 31, and three have died. Two of the 5-month-old Jack Russell Terriers that died from strangulation, which most likely occurred as they tried to desperately escape the swarm of bees. A 5-month-old Rottweiler was also killed.

The two puppies survivors, both 5 months old, are a male Jack Russell terrier mix and a male Chihuahua mix. They were in critical condition for several days after being treated at a local emergency veterinary hospital.

The puppies have been receiving around-the-clock care. Both dogs were stung dozens of times and due to its critical medical condition, one of the puppies underwent a blood transfusion earlier this week. The County Department of Animal Services’ (DAS) Spirit Fund is covering the costs of their care. 

Anyone interested in helping to pay for the continued care of these puppies can donate to the DAS Spirit Fund at sddac.com/donations.asp.

Firefighters with CAL FIRE discovered the gruesome scene when they responded to a suspicious fire in a field at the 41200 block of De Luz Road in Fallbrook May 31. It was approximately noon when the puppies were found under a tree about 25 feet from the fire. CAL FIRE is investigating the cause of the fire.

It is unknown if the person who tied the puppies under the tree knew about the bee hive. San Diego County Animal Services investigators are asking for help in locating any witnesses or information regarding the five puppies. 

To report information on this incident, the public can call the Department of Animal Services at (619)767-2624

–San Diego County Department of Animal Services contributed to this report