MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – An urgent search for an individual who threw two dogs off Dog River Bridge is underway.
It was the afternoon of Dec. 28 around 3:30 p.m. when DJ Perryman was at the River Shack, a local restaurant. That’s when he said he heard a loud splash in the water.
After hearing gasps from other people, he turned around and was shocked, prompting him to call 911.
“We first thought it was a person jumping and then we looked out and saw the two heads swimming and realized it wasn’t a person, but an animal,” Perryman said.
According to police, the two miniature pinschers were thrown off the top of the Dog River Bridge, which stands 73-feet above water.
Investigators said the person responsible for this was last seen driving a black SUV.
Lt. Tina Zanca with Mobile Police Department said with the help of people nearby, they were able to locate the dogs.
That’s when she called Corporal Paul Lee, assigned to marine detail with MPD, who was off duty at the time, to help rescue these furry friends.
“I was actually already in the water way recreating and just went ahead and responded to the incident site,” Lee said.
Zanca, who has been a part of the police department for over 25 years, said in all her years of experience, she has never seen this act of animal cruelty.
Lieutenant Bailey McDonough with Daphne Search and Rescue said he was also in the area just moments after it’s believed the two dogs were thrown off the bridge.
“Just so happened I was taking the truck to get fueled up that afternoon,” McDonough said. “I crested the bridge probably seconds after the dogs were thrown, soon enough that I saw the black vehicle merging back into traffic in front of me.”
After two hours of searching and trying to get these two little ones, crews finally caught them and brought them back to shore where they were bundled in towels and given lots of love and attention.
While investigators are still searching for the suspect, the City of Mobile Animal Services said these two dogs are in good health and good spirits as their foster family ensures they get the care they deserve.
Investigators believe one dog is the mother and the other is her baby.
If you are a witness or know anything about this, call Mobile Animal Control at 251-208-2807.
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