Prosecutors Consider Charges Against Woman Who Abandoned Senior Dog at Park and Left
Henry, a 13-year-old Labrador, had been with his owner since he was a puppy.
Unfortunately, this long bond didn’t prevent his owner from abandoning him at a city park in Vancouver, Washington. As Henry watched, his owner jumped into her car and drove off, leaving him behind.
Luckily, the heart-wrenching moment was captured by a neighbor’s security camera, which led concerned citizens to alert the authorities.
Henry, who waited patiently for his owner to return, was eventually taken in by the animal rescue organization I Paw’d It Forward.
He will remain there while authorities investigate the disturbing case of animal cruelty.
The rescue organization shared the video on Facebook, expressing their outrage: “This woman thought it was acceptable to abandon a dog at Orchards Park in Vancouver, WA, and drive off in her Tesla with Oregon plates.”
In the video, Henry can be seen hopping out of the car, seemingly excited for a walk. But after his owner removes his collar and ID, she leads him to the trailhead before quickly returning to her car and driving off.
The video quickly went viral, prompting numerous tips that led to the identification of the woman and her car. Police soon tracked her down to Portland, Oregon.
Despite her claim that she had no choice but to abandon Henry, animal rescuers were not moved by her explanation.
“She came to the meeting in her Tesla, crying fake tears and making up her story,” the organization wrote on Facebook. “She admitted it, but she really had no choice. I have ZERO empathy for her.”
What further angered rescuers was the revelation that the woman had told her friends and family that Henry had died, even though the footage showed him patiently waiting for her to return.
“It breaks my heart to think of a 13-year-old dog having to feel abandoned,” the rescuers shared.
As prosecutors consider charges, Henry’s owner could face misdemeanor and civil penalties for her actions. “Abandonment is considered animal cruelty,” an animal control officer explained to KATU2.
While the woman claimed she had exhausted all options to rehome Henry, rescuers emphasized that local shelters and animal rescues provide resources to help pet owners in difficult situations.
Abandoning an animal is never the answer, and this case serves as a reminder that there are always alternatives to ensure that pets are cared for, even in challenging times.
