Ontario cops save puppies in heartwarming rescue involving pepperoni

It's a story that reads like a Disney movie synopsis: Two abandoned puppies, alone on the scorching streets of Hamilton, Ont., rescued by the local police, won over by the irresistible scent of cured meats.

For three police officers, what was supposed to be a routine speed enforcement check on the Red Hill Valley Parkway (RHVP) turned into an emotional rescue after one frightened, frail-looking puppy was spotted wandering close to traffic in the blistering heat.

And every movie needs a good plot twist.

After officers safely secured the first pup, they realized that their sister had also been abandoned nearby.

On May 19, Hamilton Police shared details of "Operation Puppy Rescue" on X. "Officers discovered a frail looking puppy walking by itself in the heat," read the statement. "The officers were able to secure the puppy, however they soon discovered the puppy's sister was also abandoned and too afraid to come close."

Operation Puppy Rescue!

While conducting speed enforcement on the RHVP, our officers discovered a frail looking puppy walking by itself in the heat. The officers were able to secure the puppy, however they soon discovered the puppy’s sister was also abandoned and too afraid to… pic.twitter.com/n7anURn8Qy

— Hamilton Police (@HamiltonPolice) May 19, 2026

Now, dogs are bright creatures with good instincts, so they weren't exactly keen on jumping into a cop car all willy-nilly. Luckily, officers discovered they're a little more persuadable with food.

This is where the comedy kicks in: When officers were having a hard time wrangling them into the vehicle for shelter, they relied on the power of what is undoubtedly the best pizza topping: pepperoni.

A rep for Hamilton Police Service tells blogTO that the two dogs, who do not have any known names, were taken to City of Hamilton Animal Services. Police are still investigating who is responsible for seemingly abandoning the dogs on the side of the RHVP.

blogTO also reached out to Hamilton Animal Services, which confirmed the two abandoned dogs are now in their custody. The puppies are considered strays and will be kept on hold for five days, longer than the provincially mandated minimum 72-hour period. During that time, the shelter will provide food and care.

This is now the part of the movie where Hans Zimmer's emotional score kicks in.

The puppies will also be photographed and posted on the City of Hamilton's website under Found Pets in the hopes of reuniting them with their rightful owner. If they go unclaimed, however, the two strays will eventually be put up for adoption. 

Don't these two deserve a happily ever after?

If someone does eventually adopt this insanely adorable pair of red-haired puppies, here's a free name idea for the duo: Pep and Roni. 

Roll credits.