Hillsborough County Animal Control is investigating a Tampa man for callously dumping a dog in a parking lot. The unsettling act was captured on surveillance video outside a plastic surgeon’s office early in the morning on Feb. 7. The incident sparked immediate action from both the doctor involved and local animal welfare advocates.
Surveillance video shows Tampa man dumped dog in parking lot
Dr. Geoffrey Kwitko, whose office is situated on the corner of MacDill Avenue and Azeele Street, was alerted about the incident through a notification from his Blink camera. Although he and his secretary, Janine, arrived too late to confront the perpetrator, their timely intervention ensured the dog was safely recovered.
Found wandering a block away on MacDill Avenue and Platt Street, the 2-year-old dog was rescued by Dr. Kwitko, his secretary, and a vet from Four Paws Veterinary Hospital. They quickly transferred her to the care of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay — per ABC Action News.
Dr. Kwitko expressed his disbelief and dismay at the incident. “I’m shocked that somebody would do this to a dog,” said Dr. Kwitko. “If you don’t want the dog, drive it to the humane society, drive it to a shelter, don’t just leave the dog out on a busy street where the dog could be hurt.”
In addition, Regan Blessinger from the Humane Society of Tampa Bay highlighted the troubling trend of pet abandonment. She urged owners facing difficulties to seek assistance rather than leaving their animals in peril.
Goldie, the Pit Bull mix, was supposedly abandoned due to her inability to breed after having multiple litters. This underscores a harsh reality faced by many animals once their perceived “usefulness” diminishes.
Authorities have been able to identify the vehicle involved as a white Mercedes, notable for its missing back bumper. However, capturing the license plate and therefore the individual responsible, has proven difficult.
