Staff report from Gainesville Police Department release

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Gainesville Police Department (GPD) is asking for assistance in identifying individuals responsible for abandoning an 8-week-old poodle in the parking lot of the Publix at 3720 NW 13th Street; the poodle is critically ill and may not survive.

On June 3, around 9:55 a.m., unknown individuals were seen on Publix surveillance footage, arriving and departing in a gold Toyota Camry that has noticeable damage to the driver’s side door and the rear panel. One suspect appears to be a light-skinned young black male.

As of June 4, the poodle is in critical condition and may not survive. It is afflicted by an unspecified virus or toxin that has worsened due to neglect. The dog was discovered locked in a crate without food or water and was unresponsive.

GPD urges anyone with information regarding this incident to call 352-955-1818 or remain anonymous by contacting Alachua County Crime Stoppers at 352-372-7867 or www.stopcrime.tv