Usually when Jasper police take someone into custody there has been a crime committed, but Wednesday morning the only crime they were dealing with was excessive cuteness and cuddliness in the first degree.

Police officers took in 11 mixed-breed puppies after receiving a call that the puppies had apparently been abandoned near North Highlands School.

“It appears somebody dropped them off down there, either in the park or there close to the school or in the parking lot.” Jasper Police Captain Larry Cantrell said.

The puppies were found in a drainage ditch near the school and were relocated inside the school’s fence for safekeeping until officers could arrive.

Since it was Wednesday, the city’s animal control officer was off duty and the shelter was closed.

“After several attempts to contact somebody to pick these puppies up, we didn’t have any luck,” Cantrell said.

Cantrell and another member of the JPD finally took the dog truck and went to get the puppies.

They relocated the puppies to the precinct, where they were fed, watered and played with, until they could be transported to the shelter Thursday.

“They captured all of our hearts,” Cantrell said. “They are just as cute as they can be and we’d like to see somebody come get them. If anybody’s looking for a puppy, about six or eight weeks old, they seem to be some fine dogs.”

The puppies were taken to the Walker County Animal Shelter. They must be held for seven days, but, if they remain unclaimed, they will be placed for adoption. Anyone interested should go the shelter location at 2302 Birmingham Avenue in Jasper.

The shelter is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 1 to 4 p.m.