All across the country, rescuers, animal advocates, and law enforcement officers are far too used to coming across dogs and puppies that have been left behind.
But a recent case in New Bern, North Carolina, drew extra attention because of one detail that deeply unsettled the people who saw it.
What made the situation stand out was not only that a puppy had been abandoned, but that someone had left a handwritten note next to him.
What was written on that note sparked a wave of disbelief and frustration from animal control officers and members of the local community alike.
A Disturbing Discovery With An Unexpected Detail
A passerby with a caring heart spotted a puppy confined in a cage near the Books-A-Million parking lot and immediately contacted New Bern Animal Control.
“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.
When officers arrived, the scene left them stunned. Nestled inside the cage with the twelve-week-old hound puppy was a note that instantly drew their attention.
“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.
The message suggested a wish for the puppy to receive care, yet it clashed painfully with the act of leaving him alone.
Residents of New Bern were equally bewildered and concerned by the circumstances.
“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 unsettling nature of the abandonment, the puppy was quickly transported to Craven-Pamlico Animal Services, where he will remain safe until a loving home can be found.
Public Awareness And Legal Reminder
After ensuring the puppy’s safety, the Craven County Sheriff’s Office – Animal Protective Services shared the story on Facebook to alert the community.
They emphasized that abandoning animals is illegal in North Carolina, highlighting the seriousness of such actions.
“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.
The story drew immediate reactions online, with many expressing concern, disbelief, and support.
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 the quick intervention and kindness of those involved, the puppy is now secure and being cared for as he awaits a permanent, loving family.
Officers used the opportunity to issue a broader warning.
“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 w