PORTLAND, Ore. (KPTV) — Multnomah County Animal Services is asking for the public’s help identifying a man who abandoned a seriously injured dog outside a veterinary care facility in Northeast Portland.
Surveillance video from Sunstone Veterinary Specialists in the Hazelwood neighborhood shows the man leaving a black-and-white chihuahua, badly hurt, in a dog bed hidden among bushes outside the clinic. He then walks away, leaving the animal behind.
Community Outrage
The video has sparked anger and sadness from neighbors who say the dog deserved better.
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“It’s horrible. Nobody should treat anything or anybody like that,” said Jessica Cunningham, who lives nearby.
Another neighbor, Michael “Dan” Moore, said abandoning the animal was unforgivable. “A dog is like a child. I could never leave my son. If a person had to do that, maybe they shouldn’t have a dog.”
Description of Suspect
According to Multnomah County Animal Services, the man is described as tall, with facial hair, and was last seen wearing a white shirt, dark pants, and a baseball cap. Officials are urging anyone who recognizes him to come forward.
What Happened to the Dog?
FOX 12 contacted county officials to ask about the dog’s condition and whether it is receiving treatment. Investigators confirmed the case is active but declined to provide details about the animal’s medical status.
For many in the community, the unknown adds to the heartbreak.
Moore said it was especially painful to realize the man abandoned the chihuahua just steps away from the vet’s entrance, where help was available.
“He couldn’t make it a few more steps,” Moore said. “Not everyone has the heart, or the income, or the morals to take care of an animal. But animals take care of us just as much as we take care of them.”
Personal Reactions
Moore, who owns a dog himself, said the story hit close to home.
“I just love him to death, love him to life. He is my best friend, always has been, always will be,” Moore said. “I could never do that, no.”
Neighbors added that the Hazelwood area has always been animal-friendly, making the incident even more upsetting.
“Them just dropping the dog off makes the dog go into distress by itself and start suffering, and it’s really sad,” Moore said. “I hope they catch the person who did that, and I hope the dog will be okay.”
Call for Information
Multnomah County Animal Services is seeking the public’s help in identifying the man seen in the video. Anyone with information is asked to contact the agency at 503-988-7387 or email multcopets@multco.us, referencing case number #302284.
Community members say they hope the man is found and held accountable — and that the chihuahua receives the care and compassion it desperately needs.
