Security footage exposes overnight dog abandonment at Fort Walton Beach shelter
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. (WKRG) — Security footage revealed that a black minivan was involved in abandoning six puppies and two adult dogs at Panhandle Animal Welfare Society.
The staff noticed the animals in the morning when they arrived at work.
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'Our staff arrived between 7 and 7:30 a.m.,' PAWS Executive Director Tracey Kinsley said. 'They noticed six puppies in our outside kennel and two older dogs roaming around.'
Kinsley added that after reviewing camera footage, a minivan had come during the night. She noted the kennel was broken into to facilitate the dumping of the animals.
'Unfortunately, they did not leave anything behind that could identify them,' she said. 'They broke into our 10-by-10 kennel and didn't secure it properly, allowing the parents to get out.'
This is not the first time the shelter has dealt with abandoned animals.
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'It has happened on occasion,' Kinsley said.
She emphasized the shelter does not pass judgment on those who find themselves unable to care for their pets and highlighted that there is a proper process for surrendering animals.
Kinsley expressed mixed feelings about the footage of the incident.
'I appreciate that they put the animals in a place where they would be taken care of,' she said 'But my biggest concern is their safety.'
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She also addressed the potential costs and risks associated with such incidents.
'There are lots of cars around our shelter, and any of the animals could have been injured,' Kinsley said stressing the dangers the animals faced being left unsupervised.
The shelter has an emergency line and an animal control program to assist in such situations.
'We're open from 9 to 5 Monday through Saturday,' Kinsley said urging people to reach out instead of abandoning animals.
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Speaking directly to those responsible, Kinsley said, 'I understand you were going through struggles, but in the future, just reach out. We would love to get a bit of history and information on these animals to help them find new homes.'
Currently, the dogs are doing well and will be available for adoption after a five-day hold.
'They've been very well fed and taken care of,' Kinsley said. 'The mom and dad are also very sweet.'
The shelter maintains a no judgment policy and offers various resources to help pet owners in need.
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'If you're struggling with affording dog food or need medical assistance, we're here to help,' Kinsley said.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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