Dog Found Abandoned in Freezing Conditions—Then Police Discovered Microchip

A dog was abandoned outside in freezing conditions in North Carolina, with the discovery of a microchip leading to one further heartbreaking twist.

Havelock Police Department Animal Control is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the owner of a dog that was found abandoned in a crate during freezing weather on February 4, between approximately 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., outside an abandoned shopping plaza near Sonic.

The crate was located under a covered area of the abandoned building and could easily have been missed by passersby. 

The dog was left outdoors in dangerously cold conditions. At the time of the animal’s rescue, temperatures in the local area had dropped to somewhere close to 36 degrees Fahrenheit.

Leaving a dog outside in this kind of environment posed a severe risk to the animal’s safety. Had someone not found the canine when they did, then this entire story could have gone in an even-bleaker direction.

When the dog was first brought in, there was one potential lead in the search for their owner: a microchip. Microchipping represents one of the most effective means of reuniting someone with a lost dog.

Dogs with microchips are returned to owners at a rate of 52.2 percent, compared to just 21.9 percent for non‑microchipped dogs, according to data cited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

But, while there are countless examples of microchips facilitating happy reunions, this was not one of them. Although the dog rescued was microchipped, attempts to contact the original owner have been unsuccessful. It is now believed the canine may have been rehomed prior to being abandoned.

In the meantime, the Havelock Police Department is asking for anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward. Specifically, they are asking the community to report if someone witnessed an individual leaving a dog crate in the area, observed suspicious activity near the abandoned shopping plaza, or recognize the animal or know who its owner might be.

This investigation is ongoing, and the Havelock Police Department encourages anyone with information regarding this investigation to contact 252-444-2721 or those that want to remain anonymous can submit information online.

The story drew some big reactions on social media. On a Facebook post by Havelock PD calling for help, one user commented that North Carolina “needs to start that animal cruelty registry.” 

“Thank you to the Havelock PD for being on top of this!” another said, with a third adding: “Let me know when he’s up for adoption.”