YORK, Pa. — The York County SPCA is trying to determine who abandoned a dog in the parking lot of the facility on Tuesday.
The dog was tied to a light pole and abandoned while the building was open, according to York County SPCA communications director Kristen Dempwolf.
Members of the SPCA staff attempted to stop the person before they left the grounds, but were unable to do so.
The incident was captured on the SPCA's Ring camera.
In the video, a person is seen exiting a black 2016-17 two-door Honda Accord in the parking area. They walk the puppy to a light pole, where they are seen tying the dog to the pole.
The dog can be seen straining at its leash as it attempts to follow the person back to their vehicle, which pulls away.
"Animal abandonment is a crime," Dempwolf said. "And we need to raise awareness of how dangerous it can be for the animals, our staff, and our volunteers."
Dempwolf said a person charged with a summary offense of animal abandonment faces a fine of up to $750 and/or 90 days in jail if convicted.
According to Dempwolf, there have been a "staggering" number of evictions in the York area over recent weeks.
"And while we cannot correlate this with the stray dogs we have coming in, we are seeing numerous dogs -- sometimes six to eight at a time -- (being surrendered)," Dempwolf said. "In our owner surrender applications, most individuals are (citing) breed restrictions, housing, and economic challenges."
The SPCA took in the puppy that was abandoned on Tuesday, Dempwolf said.
The puppy, which staff have named Swiss Roll, "is such a sweetie," Dempwolf added.