A Dollar General employee’s quick call may have saved several lives — canine ones, that is.
On Harding Avenue, officers responded to a disturbing tip: multiple dogs were reportedly abandoned in a house that hadn’t seen a human resident for over a week. One poor pup had even escaped and was seen running loose in the area.
When police arrived, they could hear dogs barking inside and quickly called in Portsmouth Code Enforcement and animal control for backup. A neighbor explained that the homeowner had moved out after a job transfer, and while a relative had occasionally stopped by to cut the grass, no one had checked on the dogs in two weeks.
What they found inside was heartbreaking: seven dogs left behind in a house with no running water and covered in feces. The back door was unlocked, allowing rescuers to go in and safely remove the animals. The house was later condemned by Code Enforcement.
❌ Abandoning Animals Isn’t Just Wrong — It’s Illegal and Inhumane
Let’s be clear: pets aren’t furniture. You don’t just leave them behind when you move. Here’s why:
🔹 Abandoning animals is a crime in Ohio and can lead to charges of neglect or cruelty.
🔹 Without food, water, and care, pets suffer and die painful deaths.
🔹 Abandoned animals often develop severe health issues or become aggressive and fearful due to trauma.
🔹 Neglecting your pet during a move doesn’t just hurt the animal — it affects neighbors, first responders, and the community.
🐶 Need to Move? Here’s What to Do Instead:
🏡 Call your local animal shelter or rescue group – They may be able to rehome your pet or provide advice.
📱 Use social media to find trusted adopters.
🐾 Ask friends or family if they can foster or adopt.
📝 Check with your vet — some have rehoming networks or resources.
🧾 Never just leave pets behind — if you must surrender an animal, do it the right way.
These dogs are now safe — but it never should have come to this.
If you see or suspect animal neglect, call your local authorities or humane society immediately. Because no pet deserves to be left behind in filth, fear, and silence.
