Dozens of dogs rescued from hoarder’s minivan need adoptions

About 50 dogs rescued from a transient’s minivan were up for adoption Saturday, Riverside County authorities said.

Spokesman John Welsh of the Riverside County Department of Animal Services said a known animal hoarder drove the dogs to the county’s Jurupa Valley shelter on Thursday after he had been evicted from his home.

Welsh said at least one canine was already dead upon arrival at the facility while others were overheated and some had possibly been exposed to parvovirus, a highly contagious viral disease that can be fatal to young dogs.

County veterinarians treated the dogs, most of whom are terrier mixes between one and three years old, and they were put up for adoption Friday, though some will require a medical waiver, according to Welsh.

He said none of the animals will be euthanized unless their health deteriorates, and he expects them all to be adopted.

“These dogs are very cute and don’t have any behavioral issues,” he said.

Anyone looking to adopt one of the cute small-breed pooches can visit the Riverside County Department of Animal Services Jurupa Valley shelter at 6851 Van Buren Blvd.