It was truly heart-wrenching when a dog was found abandoned, tied up to a tree. Fortunately, this story has a happy ending: the dog is now in safe hands and the owner is being held accountable.
On April 22, a man taking a walk with his dog through the Frank Niederwerfer Wildlife Sanctuary in South Windsor, Connecticut, stumbled upon the abandoned animal, tied to a tree limb.
Although the dog was generally in good health, his red eyes and neck strain against the collar were evident indicators of his ordeal, according to CT Insider.
The compassionate passerby immediately reached out to the police, initiating an investigation into the dog’s abandonment. Desmond’s Army Animal Law Advocates even offered a $5,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest.
The dog, identified as “Kobe” from his collar tag, was taken in by the Tyler Regional Animal Care Shelter.
Despite his difficult experience, the shelter reported that Kobe was recovering well. He was neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped.
“His eyes are almost healed, and he is learning manners and personal space,” the shelter shared on Facebook. “He is LOVING all the attention from every person that meets him.”
In a positive development, the former owner, 26-year-old Janiya Bradford from Manchester, Connecticut, eventually came forward. Police believe the widespread attention on social media played a significant role in her decision.
“I truly believe that the public’s strong reaction compelled the suspect to come forward and talk to us,” Sgt. Mark Cleverdon of the South Windsor police explained to NBC Connecticut.
Community service officer Kaley Curtis mentioned that such abandonments are distressingly common, happening “every day.” However, it is rare for the perpetrator to be found.
Bradford faces charges of animal cruelty and has been released on a $5,000 bond as she awaits her court date on June 5.
The good news for Kobe, now renamed “Obie,” is that he will be available for adoption soon. He will need a female-only household due to his aversion to males. Given the overwhelming support for him, finding a loving home should be swift and easy.
It’s heartbreaking that Kobe, now Obie, was abandoned in such a way, but knowing he is receiving the care and love he deserves is heartwarming. May he quickly find a loving family! Feel free to share this uplifting story!
