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Dogs Found Abandoned On Roadside In Fremont, Pickup Driver Sought

FREMONT (KPIX 5) -- Police in Fremont are looking for the driver of a blue pickup truck who abandoned two dogs off the side of the road Wednesday morning.

According to a witness, a Yorkshire terrier mix was seen jumping out of the truck near Fremont Boulevard and Gibraltar Avenue around 8:45 a.m.

The witness and a community service officer were able to chase the dog safely out of traffic. They waited for the driver of the truck to notice the dog was missing and return to the scene, but the driver never showed up.

"This is really weird. How does a dog jump out of a car and you not turn around and come back and get it?" said Geneva Bosques of the Fremont Police Department.

A second dog, also a Yorkshire terrier mix, was found a short time later near Alder Avenue, about a half mile away. It was wearing a similar collar and leash as the first Yorkie mix.

When the two dogs were reunited, officials at the Tri-City Animal Shelter said it was clear the dogs came from the same household, and given their similar appearance, they also likely came from the same litter. Officials said the dogs range in age from three to five years old.

"Something clearly happened. I'd hate to say somebody dumped them," said Animal Control officer Sarah Cattaneo.

The owner could face animal cruelty charges.

Animal dumping has happened before in Fremont. Police said they have found turtles and even found a leopard shark ditched off the side of the road. A boa constrictor was once found abandoned inside a hotel room.

The Yorkie mixes must be observed and quarantined for a week before they are eligible for adoption. Several rescue groups have already expressed an interest in taking the dogs.

Owners typically have to pay $123 per surrendered dog at the Tri-City Animal Shelter. However, rescue groups often take in unwanted animals at reduced fees.

(Copyright 2013 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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