Six puppies, believed to be under a day old, were allegedly left in a basket near a trash bin behind a condo building in New Haven, Connecticut. Two of them did not survive. A third puppy, later named Rolls Royce by the rescue caring for the litter, also died, according to Army's Legacy Animal Rescue And Sanctuary, Inc.

No matter where anyone stands on other issues, most people can agree that leaving newborn animals to fend for themselves next to the trash is wrong. These puppies needed warmth, food and their mother close by, not to be treated like garbage.

Local authorities are reportedly looking into who left the puppies there, and it matters that the New Haven Police Department and the Robin I. Kroogman New Haven Animal Shelter take this seriously. A real investigation tells this community that cruelty toward defenseless animals has consequences.

A $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest is being offered by Desmond's Army Animal Law Advocates. Anyone with a tip can call the Robin I. Kroogman New Haven Animal Shelter directly at 203-946-8110.

Half the litter is already gone. The puppies who made it deserve to know their siblings' deaths meant something.

Sign this petition to push the New Haven Police Department and the Robin I. Kroogman New Haven Animal Shelter to fully investigate this case, so whoever did this is held accountable before another helpless animal is hurt.