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By Lucy Notarantonio
Senior Reporter
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Social media viewers were left in tears after seeing photos of three puppies that were thrown out of a moving car and left for dead on the roadside.
Florida's Humane Society of Tampa Bay was notified and managed to rescue the pointer/hound mix puppies the following morning. One didn't make it, but his siblings refused to leave his side.
Regan Blessinger, the shelter's marketing and content manager, told Newsweek about the heartbreaking ordeal, which took place on February, 21.
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"Late Wednesday night, a car drove down their street, slowed but still moving, and threw three puppies out of the window," she said. "One was hit by a car and unfortunately did not make it through his injuries. We named him Paolo."
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She continued: "We named the other two siblings Luke and Leia. The female pup sustained a broken leg in the fall, but both are in very good spirits.
"Both puppies have been treated for fleas and worms and showered with love and attention. They both need to gain more weight and continue on their health journey for a little bit longer but then will be up for adoption in the coming weeks," she said.
On February, 23, the shelter shared photos of the puppies on Instagram (@humanesocietytampa). After being "tossed" from the car, they can be seen at the side of the road and later at the vet.
An excerpt from the caption says: "This disregard for the [lives] of vulnerable beings is not acceptable and is, in fact, illegal. Violence against animals is almost always linked to violence against humans and is a detriment to the safety of this community."
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The Florida Senate defines animal cruelty as any act that unnecessarily overloads, torments, deprives of necessary sustenance or shelter, mutilates or kills an animal, or causes such acts to be done. This includes carrying animals in vehicles or treating them in a cruel or inhumane manner. Animal cruelty is classified as a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000 or both.
Blessinger said: "Everyone—staff and volunteers and I think even our community—[was] horrified and upset by this senseless act of cruelty. We are so sad for Paolo that he did not make it through his injuries. This is why we are offering an [$11,000] reward for any information that leads to an arrest."
So far, the heartbreaking post has gained a lot of attention and received more than 3,000 likes. It has also received almost 300 comments, including one from actor Dave Bautista.
He wrote: "This makes me sick to my stomach. And when it happens in my own community, I can't help but take it personally. I'd love to contribute another $5,000 to this reward."
Another user said: "So heartbreaking, these sweet babies. rest in peace paolo, this world is so cruel."
A third commenter said: "I don't understand how people can live with themselves after doing this. I hope these people are found so these puppies can get justice."
Blessinger told Newsweek: "Despite what they have gone through, we are excited for Luke and Leia's future and know it is going to be bright and full of love."
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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