An attempt to save two puppies ended in tragedy Tuesday whenthey were found dead after being dropped more than eight feet intoa pen filled with large dogs.

Volunteers with the Brookhaven Animal Rescue League believesomeone was trying to do a good deed when they reached over thetall fence at the league’s shelter to put two cocker spanielpuppies inside.

“I’m sure they had good intentions that turned tragic,” said Dr.Dianne Watson, a local veterinarian and member of BARL.

Volunteers say the situation is becoming a more commonoccurrence. It’s one they hope will stop.

The proper way to drop off animals at the league is to firstcall BARL at 757-4367 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Then league memberswill determine if space is available for the dog or cat.

“The problem we have right now is we are so full we can’t takeany more dogs. We do have a problem with overcrowding right now,”said Suzanne Sandifer, BARL co-president.

When the facility is not full, dogs must be given to a member ofBARL who will then take the proper steps before putting the animalinside the shelter.

“All of the dogs we take into the animal rescue league are firstveterinary checked for diseases,” said Sandifer. “If one getsdropped off before it’s checked, it could spread to all of the dogsand we’ve had that happen before.”

After the dogs are checked for diseases, they are placed into apen with similar dogs.

“They’re separated by size and temperament,” said Watson.

Dogs can also be rounded up by the city dog catcher and taken tothe dog pound, where dogs are euthanized if not claimed. BARL is ano-kill organization that takes care of the animals until they areadopted.

Anyone wishing to help care for the animals may donate dog foodor money by calling BARL.