Staff members at a North Jersey animal shelter say they are both heartbroken and outraged after two dogs were found abandoned outside their facility in sealed plastic Tupperware-style bins.
The incident occurred on Saturday, May 10, between 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., at The Bloomfield Animal Shelter located at 61 Bukowski Place. According to the shelter, two female dogs had been left near the entry gate—one in a gray bin, and the other in a white bin with a red lid.
Disturbingly, the bins were sealed with packing tape, though small holes had been cut into the lids to allow the pups to breathe. At the time, shelter staff were inside the building, unaware of what was happening just outside their door.
“A simple conversation could have helped,” the shelter wrote in a Facebook post. “Instead, these dogs were abandoned in a cruel and dangerous way. We are disgusted and reviewing security footage.”
The shelter urged anyone who may recognize the dogs, or who has information about the person responsible, to contact them at 973-748-0194.
The following day, the shelter shared an update on social media. The two dogs, estimated to be about two years old, were immediately taken to a veterinarian for examination and care. Fortunately, they appeared healthy, well-groomed, and very affectionate despite their ordeal. A posted video showed the pups wagging their tails and seeking attention from staff.
“Thank you to everyone who reached out with concern for the two abandoned dogs from yesterday,” the shelter wrote. For now, the dogs will remain in the shelter’s care until a permanent solution can be found.
News of the abandonment has sparked outrage among animal lovers online. Dozens of people flooded the shelter’s social media pages, expressing disgust and calling for whoever is responsible to be held accountable. As of now, no charges have been announced, but the investigation is ongoing.