Texas Woman Arrested After Police Find Dozens of Dead Dogs in U-Haul Truck

A South Texas woman faces an animal-cruelty charge after authorities found more than 30 dead dogs in the back of a U-Haul box truck.Christina Arriaga, 35, of Pharr was arrested Wednesday on one misdemeanor count of cruelty to non-livestock animals.A witness called police in Pharr, just east of McAllen, on Wednesday after seeing a woman loading the truck with puppies, The Monitor reported.According to Arriaga's arrest-warrant affidavit, the officer smelled "a strong odor" emanating from the truck before opening the rear door. Inside, he found 33 dead dogs, as well as one that was still alive.The dog that survived was being treated by a veterinarian, KVEO-TV reported.Frank Villarreal, supervisor for Pharr's animal control department, told The Monitor that at least five of the dogs had been dead when they were put in the truck, while the others probably succumbed to the heat and lack of breathable air. Necropsies had been ordered for them.  Continue reading...