NEW ROCHELLE, NY (January 15, 2026) — The Humane Society of Westchester at New Rochelle is seeking information about two individuals who left their dog at the shelter’s door at 3:30 a.m. this morning.
In a post on social media, the organization described the incident and shared that the female dog was left outside for five hours in the cold and dark.
“This is a difficult video to watch, but please watch the whole way through,” the post stated. “This poor girl was left for 5 hours in the cold and dark. This is not ok. This is never ok.”
Video here.
CCTV video shows two people exit a car with a dog, set up a dog crate, put the dog in the crate, close the crate and walk away as the dog yelps plaintively. The temperature outside at that time was in the mid-30s Fahrenheit.
The Humane Society emphasized that the abandonment occurred early this morning and requested public assistance in identifying the individuals involved.
“Please call with any information at 914-632-2925 or message our social media pages,” the post continued. “ALL CALLS ARE STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.”
Health Risks
Leaving a dog unattended outside for 5 hours overnight in mid-30s °F temperatures poses significant risks, even without sub-freezing conditions. Prolonged exposure can lead to hypothermia, where the dog’s core body temperature drops below its normal 100–102.5°F range, causing shivering, lethargy, weakness, confusion, slow breathing, pale gums, and—in severe cases—collapse, organ damage, or death. Frostbite is also possible on extremities like ears, paws, tail, and nose, especially with wind, dampness, or if the dog becomes wet, leading to tissue damage or amputation if untreated. Vulnerable dogs (puppies, seniors, thin-coated breeds, or those with health issues) face heightened danger due to poorer temperature regulation, while even healthy adults can suffer stress, exhaustion, or disorientation from the cold and dark. Veterinary sources emphasize that temperatures below 45°F warrant caution for extended periods, and overnight unsupervised exposure without shelter is unsafe, as the Humane Society described the abandonment as occurring “in the cold and dark.”
Laws on Abandonment in New York State
Under New York Agriculture and Markets Law § 355, a person who abandons an animal, or leaves it to die in a street, road or public place, is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for not more than one year, or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars, or by both. Abandoning a dog outside a shelter in this manner, particularly overnight in cold conditions, may fall under this statute or related cruelty provisions if it results in suffering.
Proper Way to Surrender a Pet
The Humane Society of Westchester is a limited admission, no-kill organization that operates by appointment only for adoptions and related services, with hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week. It cannot guarantee space for privately owned pets without advanced notice due to the volume of strays. Proper surrender typically requires contacting the shelter in advance to discuss availability and arrange an appointment, rather than leaving an animal unattended outside.
Other Media Coverage
WCBS-TV: Video shows people abandoning dog outside NY animal shelter in freezing weather
WABC-TV: Abandoned dog left outside animal shelter in New Rochelle in the middle of the night
News12: New video shows dog being dumped outside local shelter
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.
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