33 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels rescued after police discover dogs trapped in unventilated U-Haul

(21 Spaniels, some pregnant, rescued from a U-Haul with no ventilation.
The susect in the case later returned with 12 more dogs)

A routine call about a suspected trespassing incident in Southern California turned into a major animal cruelty investigation after police discovered dozens of dogs confined inside a U-Haul truck without ventilation or air conditioning.

33 dogs were rescued from a U-Haul truck and SUV in Murrieta, California last month, after officers responding to a trespassing call found the animals confined in overcrowded, poorly ventilated conditions.

Officials said the dogs had matted fur and limited access to food and… pic.twitter.com/tnkWXKkbeX

— CBS News (@CBSNews) June 15, 2026

According to the Murrieta Police Department, officers responded to a property on Guava Street on May 1 after receiving a report of an abandoned U-Haul with two dogs locked in the cab. Once on scene, officers heard persistent barking coming from the vehicle’s enclosed cargo area and opened the rear compartment to investigate.

Inside, they found 21 Cavalier King Charles spaniels, several of them pregnant, packed into the truck. Authorities said the dogs had been left inside for several hours in a cargo area with no ventilation or cooling system. Many appeared neglected, with matted fur and limited access to food and water.

As animal control officers worked to remove the spaniels, the suspected owner arrived at the property in an SUV carrying 12 additional dogs, bringing the total number of rescued animals to 33.

A California man is facing 21 felony animal cruelty charges after authorities rescued 33 dogs from a U-Haul truck and an SUV in Murrieta on May 1.

Police responding to a trespassing call found 21 Cavalier King Charles spaniels confined in a poorly ventilated truck with limited… pic.twitter.com/rD71AKmOuI

— News18 (@CNNnews18) June 16, 2026

The individual was arrested at the scene on allegations related to animal cruelty, animal abandonment and leaving animals unattended in a vehicle. On May 27, the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office formally filed 21 felony counts of animal cruelty along with two misdemeanor charges. The investigation remains ongoing.

All 33 dogs were transferred to Animal Friends of the Valleys in nearby Lake Elsinore, where they have been receiving veterinary evaluations, medical treatment and rehabilitation. The shelter said the rescued spaniels are recovering well and continuing to receive specialized care while the legal case proceeds.

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(Sources: People, News Nation, KTLA)

Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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