Male accused of abandoning a dog in Attleboro tied to a trash can in extreme heat has been identified

- Massachusetts, USA -

The Attleboro Police Department took to social media after a dog was found abandoned on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, near the USA Food Mart on 101 Park Street, a short distance from Sturdy Memorial Hospital.

An Animal Control Officer responded and took custody of the furvictim, a small brown terrier-type dog. Police tell me the dog's name is Coco.

Police said the dog was found tied to a trash can while much of Massachusetts, including Bristol County, was under a heat advisory. The poor soul was left exposed to the heat for over two hours with only a bowl of water.

Officers were alerted at approximately 11:19 a.m. and a surveillance camera showed an individual walking with Coco around 9:00 a.m. Cameras also captured the male tying Coco to the trash can.

Police released a surveillance image of the male in question and reached out to the public for assistance in identifying him.

The following day, police advised that investigators identified the male but did not release his identity. The unnamed animal abuser was charged with two felony counts of cruelty to animals. He will be arraigned in Attleboro District Court in the near future.

Coco is in the care of Animal Control and was treated for heat distress.

I asked the Attleboro Police Department whether the individual said why he abandoned the dog and according to police, he said: "he forgot about the dog."

###

 Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from information released by the Attleboro Police Department. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.

For more animal cruelty stories, please click here. Thank you!