An incident outside a county animal office in Craven County, North Carolina, has sparked outrage after a dog was left alone in a cage with a heartbreaking note.
The 12-week-old pup was found inside a crate and was quickly rescued by local authorities, who discovered a bag of dog food and a note beside the animal. On a piece of paper, the person who left the dog had written: “Please take me… I’m a 12 week hound. I don’t bite. Take great care of him. He has food with him.”
The Craven County Sheriff’s Office – Animal Protective Services took to Facebook to share the distressing news and remind the public of the legal consequences of animal abandonment. “It is essential to remember that abandoning your animal is illegal, regardless of where or how you do it,” the post read.
The office added that, under North Carolina General Statute 14-361.1, abandoning an animal can result in fines up to $1,000 and is considered a criminal offense.
Craven County Sheriff’s Office – Animal Protective Services
This statute specifically addresses animal abandonment, declaring it a Class 2 misdemeanor, the punishment for which can include fines and possible jail time.
The Craven County Sheriff’s Office also said that there is no justification for leaving a dog alone in this way. “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. There is no excuse or tolerance for this behavior in Craven County,” the office added online.
In the comments, people reacted to the abandonment, sharing a mix of sadness and frustration. “Poor boy, this makes me sad and mad,” posted Tony Saloom. while Facebook user Barbara Nuzum wrote: “Glad the pup is ok now.”
Others, like Tata Ko, urged people to consider adoption: “Please anyone that is close, adopt, shelters are full already.”
“Poor dog, this makes me so mad,” commented Odessa Clay.
The incident highlights a broader issue in animal welfare. In 2023, U.S. shelters saw a rise in intakes, with 6.5 million animals entering shelters, a 4 percent increase from the previous year. Of these, 48 percent were strays, and 25 percent were relinquished by their owners. As of 2024, one in four pet owners has considered rehoming their pets, with housing difficulties being a significant factor.
The Craven County Sheriff’s Office concluded their post: “Thank you to the New Bern ACO that got this pup to the shelter and to safety,” they said.
Newsweek reached out to Craven County Animal Services via email for comment.