Hikers Find Puppies Locked In A Cage In Utah Desert And Launch A Race To Save Them

By Paul Thomas 10/28/2025

The suffering endured by two young dogs left behind in the harsh Utah desert is difficult to put into words.

Abandoned without food, water, or shelter, the pups were confined inside a cage, staring out at the vast, empty landscape. With no way to escape, they could only wait, hoping someone might come.

The two male Landseers longed for freedom, for a chance to find nourishment or stumble upon a kind stranger. But trapped and helpless, they were left to face the blistering desert heat with no hope of survival.

Their eyes held only confusion, unable to comprehend why the humans they trusted had left them behind in such a cruel way.

Hikers Arrive Just In Time


Thankfully, a group of hikers happened upon the heartbreaking scene and rushed to help.

They were shocked to find the dogs abandoned in the middle of the desert, squeezed into a cage and completely exposed to the elements.

As the hikers approached, the bewildered pups looked back at them, unsure of what was happening.

The compassionate group offered comfort and quickly contacted local authorities.

Officers responded without delay, arriving on the scene to retrieve the dogs and transport them to Hurricane Animal Shelter.

A veterinarian examined both pups and, to everyone’s relief, found them to be in good health, suggesting they hadn’t been out there for long.

Neither dog wore a collar, and neither had a microchip, making it impossible to trace their origins.

Shelter Seeks Answers And Support


Hurricane Animal Shelter posted photos of the rescued dogs on Facebook. With no information about their past or who had abandoned them, the shelter turned to the public for help.

“We have minimal information on who left them. No collars or microchips. If anyone knows additional information that could be helpful in this case, please contact us at 435-635-8314,” Hurricane Animal Shelter wrote on Facebook.


Andrea Kaz, a local resident and passionate animal advocate, was heartbroken when she learned of the situation. Having witnessed similar cases before, she urged the public to treat animals with the respect they deserve.

“Everybody needs to stop thinking that animals are disposable. They’re not disposable,” Kaz told FOX 13 News Utah.

For now, the dogs are safe at the shelter, surrounded by people who care for them and provide the nourishment and affection they were denied.

Once their mandatory stray hold period ends, the pups will be made available for adoption. If permanent homes aren’t found, they may be transferred to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab.

These two resilient boys have already endured more than any animal should. With continued kindness and care, they’ll soon have the chance to begin again, this time with families who will never leave them behind.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *