Unfortunately, finding abandoned dogs or puppies on the streets has become a common scene for rescuers, animal lovers, and officers.
But a recent case in New Bern, North Carolina, shows that some situations can still be startling. What made this one different was the note left beside the abandoned puppy.
That note caused both shock and frustration for animal control officers and the community.
“Please Take Me”
A kind man discovered a puppy in a cage near the Books-A-Million parking lot in New Bern, North Carolina, and immediately called New Bern Animal Control.
When officers arrived, the sight left them speechless.
“To leave an animal like that on the side of the road, especially in the summer in the heat like that…there was no water in the cage just a bag of food. It’s not the right thing to do,” New Bern Animal Control Officer, Kevin Bahr, said in his interview for WITN.
What truly surprised the officers, however, was the note left in the cage with the twelve-week-old pup.
“Please take me… I’m a 12 week hound. I don’t bite. Take great care of him. He has food with him,” it was written in the note.
While the note suggested some good intentions, officers still struggled to understand how anyone could abandon a puppy like that. Many locals were equally shocked.
“I can’t imagine why anyone would just abandon a puppy…especially in a cage. We have services you know, to take unwanted animals. It’s just reckless…I hope they find who did this,” said New Bern resident Matthew Nelson.
Despite the circumstances, the puppy was quickly taken to Craven-Pamlico Animal Services, where he will stay until he finds a loving home.
Illegal Action
After rescuing the puppy, officers posted on Facebook via the Craven County Sheriff’s Office – Animal Protective Services.
They reminded the public that abandoning an animal is illegal in North Carolina. “It is important to note that under NCGS 14-361.1, abandoning an animal is illegal and can result in fines of up to $1,000,” they stated in the Facebook post.
Facebook users expressed outrage.
One user wrote that “People never fail to disappoint!!” while the other commented: “Some people to abandon that way I don’t know how they can sleep at night. I have 5 and they are my companion and consider my family!”
The third sadly stated: “what a cute dog! poor guy😥”
Thanks to caring people, the puppy is now safe and waiting for a family that will love and care for him.
Officers also used the incident to warn others.
“While we understand that everyone’s circumstances are different, leaving a dog in a location where anyone could take him shows a lack of concern for his well-being,” they wrote. “There is no excuse or tolerance for this behavior in Craven County.”