December 20, 2005 -- As KFOX reported, animal control officers responded Saturday to a report of five abandoned white boxers.

"When the officer fed them, they were eating like they were starving," said Jessie Miller with Animal Cruelty Heartline.

Neighbors, who didn't want to be identified, believe the two adult dogs were neglected for at least five months. They say the homeowner moved and left the animals behind but the officers let the dogs stay, saying they seemed to have adequate shelter and food.

It was surprising when one neighbor overheard an animal control officer tell Erika Rivera she could take them.

"I wanted to go see them. I went over there and I liked them. They were all skinny so I just figured I could take them home with me," Rivera said.

Rivera says she took the three puppies, alleging it was OK by the animal control officer.

"I told them if I could take the puppies and he said not while they were there, but that when they left it was up to me if I wanted to take them, so I did," said Rivera.

Rivera returned the puppies just a few hours later, once she realized someone had called police.

"I think it was wrong. She shouldn't have taken them. But mainly an animal control officer should not have told her she could after they left," said Miller.

Miller is trying to have the dogs removed and find homes for all of them. She fears if they're not removed, the owner may get rid of them in a bad way.

"I hope this is a lesson for all of us. You have to report animal cruelty, abandoned animals look into your neighbors yard what are they doing," said Miller.

There are still a lot of questions left unanswered. KFOX spoke with animal control officials and all they could tell me is that they're still investigating.

Animal control officials did remove them from the home. They left the two adult dogs there, though, they determined they're better off than the puppies and they need to finish the investigation before they take those dogs as well.

They did mention they were able to find out where the owner of the dogs works, but they have yet to talk to him.