A litter of more than a dozen puppies is in good care after being found abandoned on the streets of New Jersey.

Common Sense for Animals (CSA) shared in a Facebook post on June 23 that 18 mixed-breed puppies were found “dumped on a dead-end street in Rahway” before the New Jersey-based animal care shelter took them in.

According to local outlet WABC, the puppies were discovered on Saturday, June 20, around Jefferson Avenue. A group of concerned residents reportedly rounded up the pups and placed them in a nearby residence before animal control arrived to transport the puppies to CSA.

CSA said the puppies are approximately 4 months old and shared photos of the dogs, each with variations of white, brown, and dark brown fur.

One snap shows a pup looking up at a camera as four of its siblings walk around in the background. Another shot shows two pups — a mostly white one and a light brown one with a white muzzle — standing up in their pens.

Witnesses reported seeing a gray SUV in the area shortly before the puppies were found, according to WABC, which cited the Rahway Police Department (RPD).

Authorities told the outlet they believed the pups may have been abandoned and are searching for the person responsible.

In a statement to PEOPLE, the RPD shared that no arrests have been made in the suspected abandonment at this time.

“The puppies were placed on a seven-day stray hold at the animal shelter, which has now concluded. As no one has come forward to claim them, they will soon be made available for adoption. At this time, there are no case notes indicating which adoption center they will ultimately be transferred to,” the statement added. “According to the shelter, the puppies have received all necessary medical care and are all doing well.”

The CSA said in its June 23 post that it was looking for “foster homes” for the puppies, which need to be fostered “anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months or more.”

“These puppies are friendly and sweet, but not really socialized,” the animal shelter said. “They are not housebroken and are just starting out their new lives.”

“They need a lot of love, time and patience,” CSA added.

CSA said that once the court case is resolved, the pups will become adoptable. However, it is unclear when this will happen.

The animal shelter also noted that the pups just received the first of three vaccinations needed before they can go to dog parks or off an owner’s property. The CSA encouraged anyone able to take on the responsibility of caring for a dog to apply to foster a pet.

Source: People