By Liz O'ConnellShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberA Kansas community has reacted with outrage after a sick puppy was found abandoned inside a sealed plastic storage bin bearing a handwritten message sharing the canine's name and information.
Bonner Springs Animal Control received a call about a dog left outside a veterinary clinic early on the morning of March 6. Officers found a male pit bull mix inside the bin with no ventilation during a storm.
A press release from the department said the writing on the container indicated the dog's name was Kenji, along with a listed birth date of November 13, 2025. The person who abandoned him also wrote that he has a "big appetite" when he is not sick.
When officers opened the container, they found the canine wearing a homemade cone around his neck and showing signs of a possible rectal prolapse. The dog was immediately taken for veterinary care, where he remains under treatment. He recently underwent surgery with the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City, but he still has a "long road to recovery."
...The police department shared the news about Kenji in a Facebook post later that day, encouraging those with information to come forward, as abandoning an animal is illegal under the city's ordinance, officials wrote in a comment.
Under Kansas law, animal abandonment and neglect are considered forms of animal cruelty. State statute defines cruelty to animals as knowingly abandoning an animal without making provisions for its proper care, an offense that can carry criminal penalties depending on the circumstances and prior convictions.
Bonner Springs Animal Control encouraged those needing to surrender their pets to seek help instead, urging residents to contact them, a rescue organization or speak directly with veterinary clinic staff rather than abandoning them.
The tips submitted by community members helped advance the investigation, and an updated media release issued March 11 said Bonner Springs police investigators had identified a suspect, who has been charged with animal abandonment.
During contact with the suspect, police said, they recovered two additional puppies, which were surrendered to Animal Control and now receiving veterinary evaluations and care, according to the release.
Officials have not released further details about the suspect or the puppies’ long-term outcomes.
"Kenji and his friends will soon be available for adoption through Great Plains SPCA in Merriam, Kansas," Officer Kendra Anthony with Bonner Springs Animal Control told Newsweek via email.
Viewer Reactions
The case quickly drew widespread attention online, with the post reaching 583 reactions, 257 shares and hundreds of comments, with many expressing outrage over the puppy's condition and the way he was abandoned.
"Poor little guy. He deserves better. I hope he finds a loving home," wrote one Facebook user.
Another said: "It was absolutely monstrous to do that to that poor pup. No air during a storm. Poor thing was no doubt terrified."
A third person commented: "Sorry, I would rather this be the person's solution rather than being dumped on the side of the road. They were probably embarrassed and ashamed they couldn’t help him."
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to [email protected] with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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