Authorities in Wisconsin say a man has been arrested on suspicion of dumping a litter of puppies in the trash shortly after they were born last month.

According to Fox News, 56-year-old Robert Wild is accused of ditching the animals in a trash receptacle on February 28.

Authorities initially became involved in response to a report of “the sound of kittens coming from a garbage can” and responded to the home in Marshfield.

Upon inspection, officials say they discovered that “the sound was coming from 8 newborn puppies which had been discarded in a garbage bag and trash can.”

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Local police confirmed the arrest and allegations in a statement this week and the Marshfield Area Pet Shelter indicated that the animals were “safe and in foster care.”

Reports show the Wood County District Attorney’s Office is expected to charge Wild with misdemeanor counts including mistreatment and abandonment of animals.

As for the puppies, the shelter stressed its priority is seeing that they grow up healthy.

“At this time, adoption applications are NOT being accepted (we need to focus on making sure these guys grow up big and strong first!) but donations ARE welcome!” the agency wrote.

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[Featured image: Robert Wild, Marshfield Police Department]