Security footage captured a heartbreaking scene in Tampa at the intersection of MacDill Avenue and Azeele Street, where a 2-year-old Pit Bull mix was abandoned. The incident, which was recorded by a camera in the parking area of Dr. Geoffrey Kwitko, occurred at approximately 7:45 am on Wednesday, February 7th. The video depicts a driver arriving, exiting with the dog, and then speeding away without the animal.
“By the time I got out, the car and the dog were gone,” Kwitko said. “However, Janeen just arrived and mentioned seeing a dog along MacDill. I suggested we try to find the dog.”
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The Pit Bull mix was only a block away, but it took a full hour for Dr. Kwitko and his colleague Janeen Ibrahim trust the dog. Kwitko expresses his disillusionment with humanity, especially after witnessing such abandonments. “Seeing things like this diminishes my faith in humanity every day,” he lamented. Ibrahim shared his agony, saying, “It’s so cruel to do that to an animal.”
On Thursday, February 8th, they brought the 60-pound Pit Bull mix to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, where she was affectionately named Goldie, inspired by her eye color.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to offer this dog a chance for a fresh start,” Ibrahim said.
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Sherry Silk, director of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, has noticed an alarming increase in dogs being illegally abandoned or surrendered by their owners. That same Thursday, another troubling case emerged when two dogs were discovered in an aqueduct along I-275, both underweight, and one unable to stand. Silk condemned such inhumane treatment of domestic animals, emphasizing,
“It is unthinkable and absolutely unacceptable to leave pets in this way.”
The Humane Society speculates that Goldie was abandoned because she was used for breeding and was no longer needed. Fortunately, Goldie is in good health and will soon be available for adoption.
Dr. Kwitko is raising awareness to prevent further instances of abandonment and hopes to identify the owner of the vehicle.
“The act of leaving a dog in the middle of the street exposes it to enormous risk,” Kwitko pointed out.
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Abandoning an animal is a misdemeanor, with a potential fine of up to $5,000 and possible jail time. Ibrahim described Goldie as “a really sweet dog, very scared but incredibly gentle and loving.” A formal complaint was filed with Hillsborough County Animal Control in response to this incident.
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