Seven Beagle puppies are in foster care after being rescued, and some revived, by Lorain police last week.

Police found a 6-year-old child trying to drown the pups in a kiddie swimming pool on the city's east side after getting a call from a neighbor.

The 6-week-old pups were rushed to an animal emergency center, where they were stabilized before being passed into the custody of the Friendship Animal Protective League in Elyria.


Police told NewsChannel5 the child took instruction from a grandparent too literally. Around noon on Tuesday, authorities reported the girl and her siblings had been removed from the home.

"We investigated further, talked with one of the children's grandfather who was taking care of them. And he said he knew the kids had puppies, he had told them to 'get rid of them.' He didn't want them around," said Lorain Police Lieutenant Mark Carpentiere. "He certainly didn't think they were going to do this."

Carpentiere said, as a precaution, police are asking Lorain County Children's Services to review the incident with the family involved.

"We're all animal lovers and concerned when somebody tries to harm an animal," Carpentiere said. "Even more so when it's a child."

No criminal charges were filed in connection with the case. The Friendship APL said the puppies are too young to be immediately adopted. Instead they have been temporarily placed in foster homes.

According to the Friendship APL, the dogs would likely be ready for permanent adoption in about a month. Anyone wishing to apply to adopt a dog or cat from the Friendship APL should visit their website adoption page.