Across the country, the sight of abandoned dogs and puppies has sadly become routine for rescuers, animal advocates, and law enforcement. But a recent discovery in New Bern, North Carolina, stood out for a reason that left many deeply unsettled.
What made this case different wasn’t just the puppy left behind, it was the handwritten note placed beside him that stirred both disbelief and anger among animal control officers and the local community.
A Common Tragedy With An Unusual Twist
A compassionate passerby came across a puppy confined in a cage near the Books-A-Million parking lot in New Bern and immediately contacted New Bern Animal Control.
When officers arrived on the scene, they were taken aback by what they saw.
“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.
What truly caught their attention was the note left inside the cage with the twelve-week-old hound puppy.
“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.
Although the message hinted at a desire for the puppy to be cared for, officers struggled to reconcile that with the act of abandonment. Many residents of New Bern shared their disbelief.
“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 troubling circumstances, the puppy was swiftly transported to Craven-Pamlico Animal Services, where he will remain until a loving home is found.
Legal Reminder And Public Reaction
After securing the puppy, the Craven County Sheriff’s Office – Animal Protective Services shared the incident on Facebook to raise awareness.
They reminded the public that abandoning animals is against the law in North Carolina. “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 quickly drew strong reactions from social media users.
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 kindness of those who stepped in, the puppy is now safe and being cared for while he awaits a permanent 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 well-being,” they wrote. “There is no excuse or tolerance for this behavior in Craven County.”
