Security cameras at the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) revealed footage of a black minivan involved in abandoning six puppies and two adult dogs at the shelter late at night.
Staff members discovered the animals the following morning, between 7 and 7:30 a.m., upon arriving for their shift.
Incident Details
PAWS Executive Director Tracey Kinsley explained that the staff found the six puppies in an outdoor kennel and noticed the two adult dogs wandering nearby. After reviewing security footage, Kinsley confirmed that a minivan had arrived overnight, and the kennel had been forcibly opened to abandon the animals inside.
“They broke into our 10-by-10 kennel and didn’t secure it properly, which allowed the adult dogs to escape,” Kinsley said. Unfortunately, no identifying information was left behind by the individuals responsible for the abandonment.
A Repeated Issue
This incident is not an isolated one for PAWS, with Kinsley noting that the shelter has dealt with similar situations in the past. However, she emphasized that the shelter does not judge those struggling to care for their pets.
“There’s a proper process for surrendering animals, and we encourage people to reach out,” Kinsley stated.
Concerns Over Animal Safety
While Kinsley expressed gratitude that the animals were left in a safe location, she voiced concern over their safety due to the lack of supervision. “There are lots of cars around our shelter, and any of the animals could have been injured,” she explained.
Kinsley also noted the shelter’s resources, including an emergency line and an animal control program, which are available to assist those in need. The shelter is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A Message to Those Responsible
Addressing the individuals who abandoned the dogs, Kinsley urged them to seek help in the future. “I understand you were going through struggles, but in the future, just reach out,” she said. “We would love to know the history of these animals to help them find new homes.”
Animals Recovering Well
At present, the abandoned dogs are doing well. They are being cared for and will be available for adoption after the mandatory five-day hold period. “They’ve been very well fed and taken care of,” Kinsley said, adding that the adult dogs are both “very sweet.”
PAWS maintains a no-judgment policy and offers various services for pet owners in need of assistance.