Police and animal welfare workers are hoping to learn more about the owner of six dogs found running loose in Morrisville and the unknown person who left them there.
They want the person to know free and low cost help is available for those struggling to keep their pets.
The dogs and a handwritten note were found at the borough’s dog park at East Philadelphia and Delmorr avenues early Saturday morning by other dog owners.
The anonymous author explained a situation where these dogs were rescued from an older woman who could not provide adequate care. The apartment where the person who took the dogs doesn’t allow pets, so they were left at the dog park with the hope they’d find homes, according to the note.
“This is the safest place I could think of to put them.”
More: on dogs found in Morrisville parkThese dogs were left abandoned in a Bucks County dog park with a note. What it said
Three of the dogs found homes immediately with the people who found them, according to police. The others were taken to the Bucks County SPCA shelters in Lahaska and Quakertown.
In Pennsylvania it is illegal to abandon — or attempt to abandon — a dog, which is classified as animal abuse.
The summary offense carries penalties of a fine of $300 – $1,000, plus costs, and liability for the dog’s care during the time they were abandoned. Charges can be upgraded if the abandoned dog is injured.
Morrisville Police are still investigating and want to speak with the person responsible for saving these dogs from their original owner, Cpl. Lew Halas said in a statement released Monday.
“At this time, the Morrisville Police Department is more concerned about the remaining animals that are in the care of the original owner,” Halas said.
While the police don’t condone abandoning animals, there is a larger issue with this case, and the department wants to isolate and make sure the remaining animals are safe, Halas added.
The dogs in SPCA custody appear in good condition other than a gash on the leg of one dog that required medical treatment, agency spokeswoman Cindy Kelly said.
The dogs are likely under 2 years old, weigh 50 to 60 pounds and they are considered a retriever mix. Two are male and one is female. None had identification or microchips.
Kelly echoed the concerns Morrisville police have about the original dog owner’s situation and urged anyone with information about the dogs to call their anonymous tip line.
“We’d love to know who this person is who has an unneutered dog,” Kelly said.
More information about the dogs and the care they received would also help the shelter and its veterinarians with putting together some background on the dogs before they are placed for adoption.
While the Bucks County SPCA didn’t have any statistics available Tuesday, animal abandonment is becoming a larger problem, Kelly said.
It’s especially difficult for people who purchase animals online from out–of-state shelters or owners because it is extremely difficult to return them if an adoption doesn’t work out, Kelly said.
Reputable adoption agencies allow, or require, animals be returned to them and they can offer advice or resources to help work through the problem, Kelly added. Resources available locally that can help pet owners who are struggling, she said.
“The reality is shelters are full everywhere and so I think sometimes people want an immediate solution and let animals go,” Kelly said. “People get in crisis and need an immediate solution and the only thing they think is let this dog go and hope for the best.”
Where can pet owners struggling with animals can find help in Bucks County
Animal Shelters
Bucks County SPCA (Lahaska and Quakertown) – www.buckscountyspca.org
Women’s Animal Center (Bensalem) – www.womensanimalcenter.org
Low-cost Neutering
The Bridge Clinic (Bensalem) – www.thebridgeclinic.org / 215-639-3333
No Nonsense Neutering (Allentown) – www.nnnlv.org
- Savings for Seniors – Grants for lifesaving/urgent surgeries or dental procedures (general wellness services not included). Recipients must be age 55 or older and living in Bucks County. Call 215-639-3333 to determine eligibility.
- Value for Veterans – Grants for Bucks County residents who are Veterans/Active-Duty Members of armed services for lifesaving/urgent surgeries or dental procedures. Call 215-639-3333 to determine eligibility.
Contact Bucks County SPCA for information about other pet assistance programs available for pet owners facing financial or other hardship.
Pet Behavior Helpline
A free resource to any pet owner in Bucks County. Call or email the Bucks County SPCA pet behavior helpline at: 215-794-7425 x113 or behavior@buckscountyspca.org. You will receive free professional guidance to help overcome challenging behaviors with your dog, cat, or other pet.
Pet Food Pantries
Bucks County Opportunity Council – www.bcoc.org
Bucks County Housing Group: Doylestown – www.bchg.org/pantries/
Family Service Association of Bucks County – www.fsabc.org/program/food-pantry/
Reporter Jo Ciavaglia can be reached at jciavaglia@gannett.com
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