Unfortunately, seeing abandoned dogs is all too common. Rescuers and animal control officers deal with it constantly. But this case in New Bern, North Carolina? It stunned everyone.
A poor puppy was left in a cage. But it wasn’t just the abandonment that shocked people—it was the note left behind.
The little hound was found near the Books-A-Million parking lot. A kind stranger spotted the pup and immediately called New Bern Animal Control.
Officers arrived quickly. What they saw stunned them.
“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,” Officer Kevin Bahr told WITN.
And then there was the note.
“Please take me… I’m a 12 week hound. I don’t bite. Take great care of him. He has food with him,” it read.
Officers were baffled. How could someone who cared enough to write that… also leave a dog like this?
Locals were just as outraged. “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 resident Matthew Nelson.
Thankfully, the puppy is now safe. He’s staying at Craven-Pamlico Animal Services until a forever home comes along.
Soon after, officers posted the story on Facebook through the Craven County Sheriff’s Office – Animal Protective Services. They had a clear message.
“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 wrote.
Facebook exploded with anger. One commenter said, “People never fail to disappoint!!” Another added, “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 good news? This puppy is safe. Loved. Waiting for a real family.
And officers had one more message for the public. “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.”