Community outraged over woman dumping her dog

HERMITAGE, Pa., (WKBN) – A video circulating on social media is highlighting the need for a new larger facility for the Shenango Valley Animal Shelter.

First News obtained the video showing a woman abandoning her dog in an empty parking lot in Hermitage Tuesday morning and then driving off.

The dog is now being cared for at the shelter and Hermitage Police have issued a citation against the woman they believe left it behind.

The video has already caused plenty of outrage online as well as among the staff at the animal shelter.

“See her chasing after the car looking for her owner — it’s just heartbreaking — and just brings a lot of people to tears. Everyone of us here is just like beyond disgusted and upset,” said Devin Keeley, Shenango Animal Shelter.

The existing shelter only has room for 22 dogs and there are now 20 being cared for.

“It’s just we’re getting maxed as soon as we get one out — one more back in. It’s not even an hour later. The amount of phone calls we get a day just regarding owner surrenders, which we don’t do, is just through the roof,” Keeley said.

Ground will be broken for a new larger half-million-dollar shelter this Saturday.

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