‘Nearly frozen to death’: Puppies recovering after found abandoned in freezing temperatures
Shelter officials believe 4-week-old canines were intentionally dumped
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (KCTV) - Four weeks-old puppies are recovering after someone abandoned them in freezing temperatures on a Kansas City roadside.
Humane Society of Greater Kansas City President and CEO Sydney Mollentine tells KCTV5 that a Good Samaritan found the puppies in a plastic tote.
According to shelter staff, the dogs were immediately rushed to HSGKC, where they received immediate medical care.
“Because of the circumstances in which they were found - and with no mother anywhere in sight - we believe these puppies were intentionally dumped,” Mollentine said.
How the puppies were found
Mollentine said the community member discovered the puppies abandoned on a metro area roadside on Monday morning, Jan. 19, and recognized the urgency of their situation.
The puppies are believed to be around 4 weeks old, according to the CEO, and could not regulate their body temperatures in the frigid conditions.
“Leaving animals outdoors in freezing temperatures is extremely dangerous and can quickly become fatal, especially for young puppies who cannot regulate their body temperature,” Mollentine warned.
What happens next
Mollentine told KCTV5 that the puppies are now safe and receiving medical care at the shelter. They will remain there until the mandatory stray hold ends, then move to a foster home until they are old enough for adoption.
Shelter officials expect the puppies to make a full recovery.
Part of a troubling pattern
The incident comes nearly one week after someone abandoned another dog near the Pet Resource Center of Kansas City parking lot, signaling a metro-wide pattern.
Dumping pets is illegal under Kansas animal cruelty and abandonment laws, as well as Kansas City, Kansas, ordinances. The move is also illegal on the other side of the stateline.
Resources for pet owners in crisis
Shelter officials have urged anyone struggling with a pet to reach out for help rather than abandoning animals.
“There are safer, humane options, and our community is strongest when we look out for both people and animals,” Mollentine said. “No animal should be left to suffer alone in the cold and we are here as a resource. If you need help, please ask.
To help HSGKC continue its life-saving work, the shelter is accepting donations HERE.
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