Black Labradors Puppies Article

MAGNA -- Four Labrador puppies, all 4 to 5 months old, were found shot to death and dumped here Tuesday afternoon.

Investigators found shell casings, footprints and a pair of rubber gloves near the puppies. They believe the one yellow, one chocolate and two black Labradors were shot at the location they were found.

Salt Lake County Animals Services along with deputies were looking Tuesday for the owner of the puppies.

Animal Services spokeswoman Temma Martin said the dogs appeared to be purebred. Investigators believe someone may have recently had a litter but wasn't able to sell or give the dogs away. They believe he may have grown frustrated trying to get rid of the puppies and finally decided to shoot them, Martin said.

"It's so sad," she said.

But Martin said the owner had a number of options and should not have shot the puppies. Even if they were given to the shelter they would have been given the opportunity to be adopted out.

Although officials from Animal Services are looking for the owner, Martin admitted the incident fell into a "gray area" of what that person could possibly be charged with. Under state law, a dog owner has the right to kill his own animal if it's done in a humane fashion.

It would be up to the Salt Lake District Attorney to decide whether this incident fell into the category of animal cruelty or if the owner was legally allowed to shoot his puppies. If nothing else, Martin said possible charges of illegal dumping and illegal discharge of a firearm would be considered.

The incident also highlights a disturbing trend in Utah that there are simply too many Labradors being bred, Martin said. Those types of dogs are being so overbred that there aren't enough homes available.

"It's the most popular dog in Utah," she said.

In 2002, 67 percent of the dogs turned into the shelter were either Lab or Lab mixes, according to Martin. She said a quick check of the classifieds Tuesdays showed people trying to adopt out five litters of Labs, which equals about 60 puppies.

Anyone who may have information on the shootings is asked to call Animal Services or the sheriff's office. Residents are also asked to look out for any neighbors who may have been trying to sell one chocolate, one yellow and two black Labs during the past three months and now no longer has them.

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