Puppy with manicure abandoned in purse in California

SALINAS, CA (KTRK) -- A puppy sporting a red manicure was abandoned in a purple purse in Salinas, California, this week, and now, authorities are offering a $1,000 reward in the case.

The SPCA for Monterey County says the pup was found by a Good Samaritan behind a restaurant on Sunday, July 19 around 10pm.

The six-week old Chihuahua mix puppy was shut up behind the restaurant Patria in a dirty lavender purse pet carrier with no access to food or water. The SPCA says the puppy was "hungry, thirsty, and crying."

The Good Samaritan turned the puppy over to the SPCA on Tuesday.

SPCA staff are calling the puppy with the red nails Pierre.

Beth Brookhouser, director of community outreach of SPCA for Monterey County, told ABC News, "He's too young. He should still be with his mother, but we're taking good care of him and he seems to be a big person in a little package."

Brookhouser told ABC News the SPCA investigated the possibility that Pierre was stolen, but results came up short.

"We have some leads, but we want people to know that abandonment is not the answer," she added. "Shelters will take in all animals -- no questions asked, but when you choose to do the illegal thing and the inhumane thing, we will do our best to go out, find who did this and prosecute the person responsible."

If you have any information about this case, please contact The SPCA at 831-373-2631 or report online.