Puppies Tied to Tree, Stung to Death by Bees

Three puppies were found dead and two were in serious condition from being tied to a tree with a beehive and attacked by the insects.

Firefighters discovered the puppies when they responded to an unrelated brush fire that was burning about 25 feet away in the 41200 block of De Luz Road in Fallbrook, according to the North County Times.

All the puppies were about 5 months old. Three were Jack Russel terrier mixes, one was a rottweiler, and one was a Chihuahua mix. Two of the dogs died from strangulation -- presumably suffered trying to escape the bees -- and the rottweiler died of an unknown cause.

Animal Control identified the owners, who told officials the puppies were safe on their property when they left home earlier that day, Animal Control Lt. Dan DeSousa told the paper.

The surviving puppies required around-the-clock care, including eye drops in their eyes to keep them moist because the bee stings impair their ability to block. The puppies are being cared for in Carlsbad.

Police were looking for the ones responsible for tying the puppies to the tree. Anybody with information was asked to call 619-767-2624.

Donations can be made for the puppies' care by clicking here.