Men charged after 43 puppies found in van

An animal control official says 43 puppies rescued from a parked van in southwest Chicago were packed into cramped carriers without enough food or water.

Police say two Iowa men have been charged with one misdemeanor count each of failing to meet animal owner duties and 43 misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals. Bond was set at $10,000 each at a hearing Wednesday.

Cherie Travis, director of Chicago’s Commission on Animal Care and Control, says the puppies came from a large-scale breeding operation in Iowa and were bound for pet stores in Chicago and New York. Some are as young as 6 to 8 weeks. They include boxers, huskies, Chihuahuas and Pekingese.

Police spotted the van in the Little Village neighborhood Tuesday and took a closer look after hearing barking.