NEED TO KNOW
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A story about a couple turning in an abandoned dog has turned out to be a hoax, the Attleboro Police Department in Massachusetts said
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An unidentified husband and wife dropped a puppy off at a convenience store, claiming they found it on the side of the road
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“We appreciate animal control and their assistance in housing the dog,” police said of the temporary solution
Massachusetts police have determined that a couple’s story about finding a puppy on the side of the road was a hoax.
In their initial statement, the Attleboro Police Department said they received a report of a 6-month-old female Yorkshire Terrier that had been abandoned at the Seasons Corner Market on Washington St. in South Attleboro on Monday, Sept. 22.
A couple brought the animal in and left it with the convenience store clerk at approximately 1:40 a.m. local time, because they “did not know what to do with it,” police added.
Attleboro Police/X.com
Abandoned Yorkshire Terrier
The man and woman claimed they found the puppy caged on the side of the road with a “free” sign attached. There was also a dog bed and a bowl with dual food and water compartments.
The clerk agreed to take the dog, but gave it away to a good Samaritan shortly after.
However, when the store’s manager arrived later in the day, they became concerned for the dog’s well-being, and contacted police, the department said.
The investigating officer tracked down the good Samaritan, who ultimately turned the dog over to Attleboro Animal Control.
According to the Attleboro Police Department, the Yorkshire Terrier was checked out and “found to be in good health, appeared to be well-cared-for, and in no apparent distress.”
No collar or microchip was found on the dog.
As of Tuesday, Sept. 23, the puppy was in the custody of and being cared for by Attleboro Animal Control. PEOPLE could not immediately reach the Attleboro Police Department for comment.
Attleboro Police/X.com
Abandoned Yorkshire Terrier
Police Chief Kyle Heagney reviewed surveillance footage after the puppy was dropped off at the convenience store and was able to find the couple who left the animal, the Sun Chronicle reported on Thursday, Sept. 25.
The pair turned out to be a husband and wife, and the wife allegedly admitted to receiving the dog from a co-worker. However, when she brought the dog home to her husband in Cumberland, he said he did not want it and that they could not keep it.
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Heagney said the names of the husband and wife who left the dog and fabricated the story will not be released at this time, adding that the incident isn’t enough to press charges.
Though Attleboro Animal Control was able to assist for the time being, the chief said once the legalities are ironed out, the Yorkshire Terrier will be put up for adoption to find a loving forever home.
“We appreciate animal control and their assistance in housing the dog,” Heagney said. “The good news is there’s been an overwhelming amount of support from the public in wanting to adopt this dog. Our goal now is to find this dog a loving home.”
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