VIDALIA — During a routine traffic stop on the Mississippi River Bridge early Saturday morning a group of Vidalia Police Department officers saw a sight they won’t soon forget.

At approximately 1:40 a.m. Saturday, officers Craig Sewell and Ivan Hedrick noticed what appeared to be a dog crate sitting 12 feet below the road deck resting on a bridge beam.

According to reports from the VPD, the officers then called for assistance and were later joined by Animal Control Officer Dwayne Thomas and two others.

The group of officers was able to reach the crate and hoist it back up on the bridge, finding two dogs inside.

Thomas said both of the dogs were blue heelers. One of them was an older female, and the other was a 9-month-old male.

Upon first inspection of the dogs, the officers noted that they appeared dehydrated and terrified.

“We immediately went to feed and water them,” Thomas said. “They were a lot more thirsty than they were hungry. They skipped right over the food and went straight to the water.”

Thomas said the dogs were taken back to the VPD kennel and later checked by a veterinarian.

“They are both resting comfortably now,” he said. “They are still a little shaken up, but they should be fine.”

Thomas said the older dog appeared to be blind when they first rescued her, but the veterinarian discovered the animal was simply suffering from cataracts.

VPD Chief Arthur Lewis said the department is investigating the incident because it does not appear to be an accident.

Thomas said officers believe someone was trying to throw the crate of dogs into the river to get rid of them, but didn’t get the crate out far enough.

“If someone did do this (intentionally), you just have to wonder why,” he said. “If someone is in the city limits and they don’t want the dogs, they could have just called us to pick them up instead of doing this.”

Thomas said Vidalia police need help from anyone in the community who may know anything about the incident.

“We are just hoping to get something from somebody,” he said.

Thomas said the two dogs will continue to stay at the kennel, and will be available for adoption to anyone in the area interested.

To adopt one of the dogs or to report any information regarding the case contact the VPD at 318-336-5254.