'It's so heartbreaking': Puppy abandoned in broad daylight at York County SPCA
Updated on May 17, 2024: Swiss Roll now is available for adoption, according to the York County SPCA.
The shelter also is seeking foster families as the shelter is full.
For more information, visit ycspca.org.
Reported on May, 15, 2024:
In a video shared by the York County SPCA, someone abandoned a puppy in broad daylight on Monday morning by tying it to a light pole in the parking lot of the shelter while it was open and drove away.
The video shows the black-and-white bully mix pulling on its tether while the person walked away and then drove off in the two-door sedan.
"It's so heartbreaking," said Kristen Dempwolf, communications director for the shelter.
Employees at the shelter have arrived at work on occasion to find that someone had abandoned a pet while the shelter was closed, Dempwolf said. But this marked the first time that someone has deserted an animal in broad daylight while the shelter was open.
Staff tried to chase the individual but were unsuccessful.
She says the abandonment of the dog speaks to the desperation in the community, and the shelter is available as a resource for pet owners, Dempwolf said. It offers programs, such as a pet pantry with food and reduced prices for veterinary care.
The shelter has seen a staggering number of evictions in recent weeks, she wrote in an email. Owners also have cited breed restrictions, housing and economic challenges as the reasons for surrendering their pets.
Puppy is doing well despite abandonment
The 3-month-old puppy, now named Swiss Roll, appeared to be well-fed and cared for, Dempwolf said. He has been hanging out in the administrative wing.
"He's such a sweet puppy," she said.
He will likely be placed in a foster home while the shelter tries to figure out who dropped him off. Swiss Roll could be available for adoption by next week.
The York County SPCA needs to know about the pet's history and needs to be able to make better decisions for its future home, Dempwolf said.
It's also dangerous for the animals, staff and volunteers in abandonment cases. For example, the staff doesn't know the temperament of the pet, and it's a scary situation for the animal.
Abandoning an animal is a crime, Dempwolf said. It's a summary offense, and if convicted, the person can face up to a $700 fine and/or up to 90 days in jail.
This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Dog tied up to light pole at York County SPCA while shelter was open
