It is all too common to encounter an abandoned dog or puppy on the streets. Rescuers, dog lovers, and animal control officers have unfortunately become accustomed to such sights. However, a recent incident in New Bern, North Carolina, serves as a reminder that each case can present unexpected twists, particularly due to a note found alongside the abandoned pup that sparked shock and anger among the community.
“Please Take Me”
When a compassionate man discovered an abandoned puppy in a cage near the Books-A-Million parking lot, he notified New Bern Animal Control immediately. Officers rushed to the scene, where the distressing sight left them at a loss for words.
“To leave an animal like that on the side of the road, especially in the heat of summer…there was no water in the cage, only a bag of food. It’s not the right thing to do,” commented New Bern Animal Control Officer Kevin Bahr in an interview with WITN. Meanwhile, they were taken aback by the note found inside the cage with the puppy.
“Please take me… I’m a 12-week hound. I don’t bite. Take great care of him. He has food with him,” read the note.
While it may seem that the owner had good intentions, officers struggled to comprehend how anyone could abandon their puppy like that. Local residents voiced similar disbelief.
“I can’t imagine why anyone would just abandon a puppy… especially in a cage. We have services to take unwanted animals. This is just reckless. I hope they find who did this,” stated New Bern resident Matthew Nelson.
Fortunately, compassionate individuals stepped in quickly. The puppy was transferred to Craven-Pamlico Animal Services, where he will remain until he finds a loving forever home.
Illegal Action
Shortly after rescuing the dog, officers released a statement on their official Facebook page, operated by the Craven County Sheriff’s Office – Animal Protective Services, emphasizing that abandoning an animal is illegal, regardless of the circumstances. They highlighted that under NCGS 14-361.1, abandoning an animal can incur fines up to $1,000.
Reacting to this post, social media users expressed their outrage. One user lamented, “People never fail to disappoint!!”, while another noted, “I can’t understand how someone can sleep at night after doing something like this. I have five dogs, and they are my family!” A third user sadly commented, “What a cute dog! Poor guy😥”.
Thanks to the kindness of others, this puppy is now safe and eagerly awaiting a family that will cherish him unconditionally. The incident serves as a cautionary tale for pet owners, with officers urging anyone contemplating abandoning their pets to reconsider their actions. “While we understand that everyone’s circumstances vary, leaving a dog where anyone could take them demonstrates a complete disregard for their well-being,” they stated. “Such behavior is neither acceptable nor tolerated in Craven County.”
