COEUR d'ALENE - Two puppies in a pillowcase were allegedly tossed from the window of a pickup truck on the Fourth of July, according to the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office.

A citizen reported witnessing the incident on West Elder Road near Worley. Further investigation, however, revealed it happened across the state line in Washington, and the case was transferred to the Spokane County Sheriff's Office.

"As the citizen was driving and approaching the white pillowcase, they observed the pillowcase moving," said Gary Shults, a community service officer for the sheriff's office. "Upon stopping and checking, it was discovered the pillowcase was zip-tied closed."

Once the pillowcase was opened the dogs were found, covered with ticks. The puppies are male and female, brindle in color and possibly a shepherd mix.

"One of the puppies had several cuts and appeared to have a broken back left leg," Shults said.

An animal control officer determined the puppies were approximately 3 months old.

Following a check by a veterinarian, the puppies are being treated for ticks, possibly ringworm and have been vaccinated.

"The puppy with the broken leg remains with the veterinarian - stabilized and under sedation - in hopes of saving the leg," Shults said.

He told The Press Tuesday that there has been an uptick in abandoned dogs in the past few weeks, but there is no particular explanation for it.

"Hopefully this type of animal abuse (and) abandonment will stop," he said.

On June 30, a Shih Tzu was found abandoned with matted hair covering 60 percent of its body, making it difficult for the animal to walk. The dog's muscles had atrophied.

Kootenai Humane Society, an independent nonprofit organization, hasn't seen an increase, said Vicky Nelson, the development director. The organization receives abandoned and abused animals from animal control officers from the cities of Coeur d'Alene and Rathdrum.

"We do get these types of animals frequently," Nelson said Tuesday. "It's sad."