Perris Torture: Turpin Family's 'Healthy' Dogs Up For Adoption

PERRIS, CA -- The two dogs of the Perris couple accused of torturing their 13 children are healthy and available for adoption. City officials said the dogs were seized when authorities rescued the victims and arrested their parents, David Allen Turpin, 56, and his wife, Louise Ann Turpin, 49.

The Turpin family stepped into the national spotlight recently after one of the children, a 17-year-old girl, escaped from the home and called 911 to report the years-long abuse. The parents were arrested and charged with 12 counts each of torture and false imprisonment, as well as six counts of child abuse and seven counts of cruelty to a dependent adult.

The city of Perris said the dogs are both female, Maltese-mixes and are each about a year old. They described the dogs as "healthy, friendly and leash-trained."

The news about the "healthy" dogs is the latest information in the unusual and devastating story of the Turpin family, where the 13 children were described as severely malnourished and, at times, chained to furniture. The parents reportedly left food and toys in the house but did not let the children touch them. The children were also deprived of showers, authorities said.

David and Louise Turpin, who pleaded not guilty, are each being held in lieu of $12 million bail at the Robert Presley Jail in Riverside and are facing 94 years to life in state prison if convicted.

--Photo via the city of Perris

Also See:

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Perris Torture: DA Says Officials Need To 'Do A Better Job'
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