Wash. man dumped newborn Chihuahuas in trash bin, police say

PASCO, Wash. -- Pasco police said Vatentin Patricio, 33, from Kennewick, dumped three newborn Chihuahuas in a car wash trash bin about a week ago, CBS affiliate KEPR reports. 

The animal shelter and police used surveillance video to identify Patricio. Officers tell KEPR that they’ve cited him with three counts of animal cruelty.

The shelter also says they’re going to request the prosecutors to up the charges to a felony.

Officials haven’t set a court date yet but police say the man isn’t in custody.

The shelter says the suspect had to bring the mom and the one other puppy they still had.

The two will be held at the animal shelter until his court case.