SUV Packed With 33 Chihuahuas Prompts Animal Cruelty Trial

A Maryland man is facing trial on animal cruelty charges after 33 Chihuahuas were found last fall in his SUV.

The dogs were in various states of health, the Washington Post reported Wednesday. Court records filed in Montgomery County stated that 18 dogs appeared to be starving or malnourished. Three were pregnant.

Court records stated that a puppy was euthanized. Its stomach contained uncooked rice, plant material and tin foil. Jack Breckenridge, an animal control investigator, said it ate anything it could find. 

The Chihuahuas' former owner is 41-year-old Javier Enrique Peralta of Wheaton. He strongly disputes the charges. He said the dogs were in his SUV because he'd been evicted and was taking them to a new home. 

The trial is scheduled for July.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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