Portsmouth police and animal control responded to Valley Street after neighbors reported animals may have been abandoned inside a home after the resident moved out.
According to the caller, the neighbor had left but allegedly locked animals inside the residence.
When officers arrived, they were unable to determine whether any animals were still inside the house.
However, one dog had already gotten loose and was roaming around the block.
🐕 OFFICER GETS DOG INTO PATROL CAR
Police said animal control advised there were open cages visible in the garage area.
An officer was eventually able to safely get the loose dog into the patrol vehicle.
A nearby neighbor then stepped forward and agreed to care for the animal.
According to witnesses at the scene, the dog’s owner had allegedly told people she no longer wanted the animal and that was why it had been let outside.
Animal control was updated on the situation.
⚠️ ABANDONING ANIMALS CAN LEAD TO CRIMINAL CHARGES
Animal welfare officials warn that abandoning pets can become a serious legal issue.
In Ohio, owners are generally responsible for providing animals with:
- Food
- Water
- Shelter
- Medical care when needed
- And safe living conditions
Leaving animals locked inside homes—or simply turning them loose—can potentially lead to neglect or cruelty charges.
👀 WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK AN ANIMAL HAS BEEN ABANDONED
Officials recommend:
- Contacting animal control or police
- Avoid forcing entry into homes yourself unless there is an emergency
- Documenting conditions if possible
- Providing temporary food or water only if safe to do so
❤️ NEIGHBORS OFTEN STEP IN
Cases like this frequently end with neighbors, rescue groups, or animal control trying to help animals left behind during evictions, moves, arrests, or personal crises.
And sometimes, the people stepping up to help are complete strangers who simply don’t want to see an animal suffer.