It was a deeply upsetting sight when a dog was found abandoned and tied to a tree, but thankfully, the dog is now in safe hands and the owner is facing justice.
On April 22, a man walking his dog through the Frank Niederwerfer Wildlife Sanctuary in South Windsor, Connecticut, came across a lonely dog tied up to a tree.
The dog was mostly in good health, although his eyes were red and his neck was straining against the collar, according to CT Insider.
The kind-hearted man contacted the police, who immediately started an investigation into the dog’s abandonment. Desmond’s Army Animal Law Advocates even offered a $5,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest.
Identified by his collar as “Kobe,” the dog was taken in by Tyler Regional Animal Care Shelter.
In subsequent updates, the shelter shared that Kobe was doing well despite what he had gone through. He was neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped.
“His eyes are almost healed, and he is learning manners and personal space,” the shelter posted on Facebook. “He is LOVING all the attention from every person who meets him.”
Meanwhile, Kobe’s former owner was identified as 26-year-old Janiya Bradford from Manchester, Connecticut. Police indicated that Bradford turned herself in, likely due to the intense spotlight on the case via social media.
“I truly believe public pressure led the suspect to come forward to speak with us,” Sgt. Mark Cleverdon of the South Windsor police remarked to NBC Connecticut.
Community service officer Kaley Curtis told the outlet that while dog abandonments happen frequently, it is uncommon to find the culprit. “It’s rare for someone to come forward and admit to it,” Curtis explained.
Bradford now faces charges of animal cruelty. She has been released on a $5,000 bond and will appear in court on June 5.
Kobe, now renamed “Obie,” will be placed for adoption soon. Due to his preference for female-only households, he needs to be adopted into a home without males. But given the case’s attention and the support he has received, Obie should easily find a loving home soon.
It’s heartbreaking that Kobe/Obie was abandoned, but we’re relieved he is now safe and will soon find a welcoming home. Please share this heartwarming tale!
