A dog found tied to a bus pole in freezing Virginia weather has been safely rescued and is now “doing great,” according to Richmond Animal Care and Control (RACC).
The heart-wrenching rescue took place on January 17, when the black male pit bull mix was discovered abandoned by the side of the road in Richmond’s Southside.
The pup, left in near-freezing temperatures with no shelter or warmth, was found the night before, and local authorities have since launched an investigation.
Temperatures in the area had dropped to as low as 13 degrees Fahrenheit, creating a dangerous situation for the dog.
RACC quickly responded to the call for help and posted a heartfelt message on social media. “To the person who left their dog tied to the bus line pole in the freezing cold last night.
Do better,” the shelter’s Facebook post read, urging the dog’s former owner to be more responsible.
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The post also thanked the kind citizen who alerted the shelter and included two images—one showing the dog abandoned at the pole and another with a smiling RACC staff member holding the rescued pup.
The shelter has assured the public that the dog, whose condition has improved significantly, is now receiving the care he needs. RACC spokesperson Christie Chipps-Peters confirmed the dog’s health is stable, and the shelter is continuing its investigation.
Virginia law states that animal abandonment is a Class 1 misdemeanor, emphasizing the seriousness of this act.
Chipps-Peters also took the opportunity to remind pet owners to seek responsible alternatives, such as no-kill shelters or finding a new home for their pets, rather than abandoning them in such dangerous conditions.
The rescue follows a pattern of similar incidents during the winter months, as animal shelters continue to warn against abandoning pets in harsh weather conditions.
