Published on April 21 | Updated on April 22
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A local animal welfare organization is asking for the public's help in identifying a man believed to be linked to separate litters of puppies being abandoned in Old City.
Pennsylvania SPCA enforcement officers found seven puppies near Arch and Bread streets last Saturday. Witnesses said there were as many as 13 in the litter, leaving six unaccounted for.
“In addition to how these puppies ended up in this situation and those who may be responsible, we are also trying to find the puppies that are unaccounted for,” said PSPCA spokesperson Gillian Kocher. “These puppies, we estimate, are only a few weeks old and need specialized care to survive at this very vulnerable stage.”
According to Kocher, the puppies are already in foster care and will be available for adoption in the future, when they are healthy enough to be separated. “We look forward to the day we can find those forever homes,” she said.
Investigators believe this litter is connected to another one found on Dec. 26, 2025, in the same general area, near North Bread and Cherry streets. Those puppies have received medical care and have since been adopted, though the PSPCA is concerned there may be a pattern of cruelty and neglect.
The PSPCA has asked anyone with information about either litter to contact its Animal Law Enforcement unit. Tips can be left anonymously.Another litter was found in same area 4 months earlier; investigators working to determine if cases are connected
Another litter was found in same area 4 months earlier; investigators working to determine if cases are connected
