Puppies Rescued from Drug Bust Test Positive for Cocaine

Richmond animal shelter cares for pit bull mixes after discovering drugs in their system

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:25pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a dog collar against a pitch-black background, the texture and metal details dramatically lit by a harsh camera flash, conceptually representing the harsh realities faced by pets caught in abusive environments.A drug bust leads to the rescue of two puppies, exposing the devastating impact of the illegal drug trade on innocent animals.Richmond Today

Two 4-month-old pit bull mix puppies, named Frogger and Leap of Faith, were seized by police during a drug raid and taken to the Richmond Animal Care & Control shelter. After initial tests showed the puppies were 'a little sleepy,' further drug screenings revealed they had tested positive for cocaine, likely from the drug-filled environment they were rescued from. The shelter monitored the puppies for several days as they detoxed, and both were eventually adopted into loving homes.

Why it matters

This case highlights the devastating impact that drug use and trafficking can have on innocent animals caught in the crossfire. The puppies' positive drug test underscores the need for greater awareness and action around protecting pets from harmful substances, as well as the important role animal shelters play in rehabilitating and rehoming animals rescued from abusive situations.

The details

Police discovered Frogger and Leap of Faith, two 4-month-old pit bull mix puppies, inside a home during a raid involving drugs and guns. The puppies were immediately taken to the Richmond Animal Care & Control shelter, where staff initially thought the dogs seemed 'a little sleepy' but otherwise fine. However, further drug testing revealed that both puppies had tested positive for cocaine, likely from being exposed to the drug-filled environment they were rescued from. The shelter monitored the puppies for several days as they detoxed and recovered, before successfully adopting them out to separate loving homes.

  • On March 20, the two puppies were discovered inside a home during a police drug raid.
  • The puppies were taken to the Richmond Animal Care & Control shelter shortly after the raid.

The players

Frogger

A 4-month-old pit bull mix puppy who was seized during a police drug raid and found to have cocaine in his system.

Leap of Faith

A 4-month-old pit bull mix puppy, believed to be Frogger's brother, who was also seized during the police drug raid and tested positive for cocaine.

Richmond Animal Care & Control

The animal shelter in Richmond, Virginia that took in Frogger and Leap of Faith after they were rescued from the drug-filled environment.

Christie Peters

The director of the Richmond Animal Care & Control shelter who oversaw the care and rehabilitation of Frogger and Leap of Faith.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We tested them to be safe, since they came from an environment with cocaine in the space. The drug test is done by collecting urine (the same as people), and the test came back positive for cocaine.”

— Christie Peters, Director, Richmond Animal Care & Control

“We don't know how they might have ingested the drug, but we just know that cocaine was present in the house.”

— Christie Peters, Director, Richmond Animal Care & Control

What’s next

The shelter will continue to monitor the puppies' health and well-being as they recover from their drug exposure, and will work to find them permanent, loving homes where they can thrive.

The takeaway

This heartbreaking case underscores the urgent need to protect innocent animals from the dangers of the illegal drug trade. The resilience and recovery of Frogger and Leap of Faith serve as a powerful reminder of the critical role animal shelters play in rescuing and rehabilitating pets caught in abusive environments.