TAMPA, FL — The Tampa Bay Humane Society said someone dumped the dog in a crate and left it on the side of the road.
A Good Samaritan found a dog on North Howard Avenue near West Dewey Street. The location is within walking distance from the humanitarian association and the animal hospital.
“The box was locked, there was no note, and he was inside alone with a blanket,” said Regan Blessinger of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.
Blessinger said shelter workers nicknamed the dog “Benny.” Under observation at a veterinary hospital.
“When he came in he was very thirsty and really hungry and obviously underweight. He just wasn’t feeling well. What went wrong?” “We’re still testing to figure out exactly what’s going on. He’s starting to feel a little better and he’s starting to eat. It’s been a while now,” Blessinger said.
Shelter officials said more than 5,000 owners had surrendered in 2022.
“Prices have gone up. We usually blame it on the economy. Unfortunately, when things get more expensive, so does the cost of owning a pet,” Blessinger said. rice field.
Shelter officials said pet dumping is illegal. If the pet owner can no longer afford the pet, hand it over to a shelter or find another loving home.
“You can’t leave an animal unattended. Locking an animal in a crate, exposing it to the elements outside, and leaving it alone is neglect.It’s completely illegal,” Blessinger said.
Tampa Police said those responsible could face charges of animal cruelty. Blessinger said handing over pets at the shelter is quick and free.
“Come and hand over your pet. We understand that it can happen for a variety of reasons if you can no longer have a pet. So it’s easy to take in and bring in pets. It’s quick, you can find good pets, happy families,” Blessinger said.
Sheriff officials say Benny is likely to go to foster care once he feels better, so he could put on weight. Once she feels better, she may be able to adopt.