3 Puppies Killed and 2 in Critical Condition After Being Tied to Tree Under Beehive

Five puppies were left tied to a tree in Fallbrook under an active beehive on May 31. Three of the puppies died. Two five-month-old Jack Russell terriers died from strangulation, which most likely occurred as they tried to desperately escape the swarm of bees. A five-month-old Rottweiler was also killed.

The two puppies that survived, both five months old, are a male Jack Russell terrier mix named Woody and a male Chihuahua mix named Buzz. They were in critical condition for several days after being transported to a local emergency veterinary hospital. The puppies have been receiving around-the-clock care. Both dogs were stung dozens of times and due to its critical medical condition, one of the puppies underwent a blood transfusion earlier this week. The County Department of Animal Services’ (DAS) Spirit Fund is covering the costs of their care. 

Firefighters with CAL FIRE discovered the gruesome scene when they responded to a suspicious fire in a field at the 41200 block of De Luz Road Thursday, May 31. It was approximately noon when the puppies were found under a tree about twenty-five feet from the fire. CAL FIRE is investigating the cause of the fire.

It is unknown if the person who tied the puppies under the tree knew about the beehive. San Diego County Animal Services investigators are asking for help in locating any witnesses or information regarding the five puppies. 

Anyone interested in helping to pay for the continued care of these puppies can donate to the DAS Spirit Fund at sddac.com/donations.asp.

To report information on this incident, the public can call the Department of Animal Services at 619-767-2624.   

–San Diego County Communications Office contributed to this report

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