While Bridgeport Animal Control investigates, a prominent animal rights organization is offering a reward for information on a bag of dead puppies found frozen in the city.

Three puppies were found frozen in a bag near the corner of Orange Street and Newfield Avenue Wednesday, according to Bridgeport Animal Control.

The city says the puppies appeared to be newborns that were between one to five days old at the time of their deaths.

Desmond’s Army Animal Law Advocates is offering an $8,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible.

“To see three newborn puppies is a punch in the gut," said the president of Desmond's Army Animal Law Advocates, Zilla Cannamela. "Somebody knows of a mama dog that just lost their puppies, and we hope they speak up and come forward."

Bridgeport chief animal control officer Jennifer Merenda says abandonment and animal cruelty cases are increasing all over the state.

Officers have been canvassing the neighborhood for leads while trying to get their hands on security footage.

“There are cases that are going to stay with you for a while," Merenda says. "Please help us get justice for these puppies."

Necropsies for the puppies are pending, the city says.

Anyone with information should call Bridgeport Animal Control at 203-576-7727.