In Peoria, emergency personnel arrived on an abandoned boat anchored in the Illinois River on Wednesday. Once they entered the cabin of the 32 foot cruiser, they found seven emaciated young dogs; one dog had already died.
According to a joint press release from the Peoria Police Department, Peoria firefighters and the Fondulac Police Department had been requested to check the boat for occupants. The boat had been anchored near the RiverPlex Recreation Center.
Officers reported a foul odor emanating from the cabin and when they entered, the dogs had been left with no food or water.
No human occupants were on board.
The surviving dogs were removed by the Peoria Police and the Peoria Anima Welfare; an investigation is underway. The dogs are currently in the care of PAWS.
Information as to the owner of the boat or description of the dogs has not been released. The boat was taken to shore.
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