Mass. Couple Claimed They Found Abandoned Dog on Side of the Road. Why Police Are Now Saying It Was a Hoax

Massachusetts authorities have determined that a couple’s claim of finding a puppy abandoned on the side of the road was false.

The Attleboro Police Department said they received a report of a 6-month-old female Yorkshire Terrier allegedly left at the Seasons Corner Market on Washington St. in South Attleboro on Monday, Sept. 22.

According to police, a couple brought the dog to the convenience store and left it with a clerk at around 1:40 a.m., saying they “did not know what to do with it.”

The pair claimed they found the puppy caged on the roadside with a “free” sign attached, along with a dog bed and a dual food-and-water bowl. The clerk agreed to take the dog and shortly afterward passed it to a good Samaritan.

Later that day, the store’s manager became concerned for the puppy’s welfare and contacted authorities.

The investigating officer located the good Samaritan, who then handed the dog over to Attleboro Animal Control. Police confirmed that the Yorkshire Terrier was examined and “found to be in good health, appeared to be well-cared-for, and in no apparent distress.” The dog had no collar or microchip.

As of Tuesday, Sept. 23, the puppy was in the custody of Attleboro Animal Control. PEOPLE was unable to reach the Attleboro Police Department for immediate comment.

Police Chief Kyle Heagney reviewed surveillance footage of the drop-off and identified the couple. The Sun Chronicle reported on Thursday, Sept. 25, that the woman admitted she received the dog from a co-worker. When she brought the puppy home to her husband in Cumberland, he refused to keep it.

Heagney said the names of the couple who fabricated the story will not be released and that the incident does not warrant criminal charges.

While Attleboro Animal Control is currently caring for the dog, the chief said the Yorkshire Terrier will eventually be placed for adoption.

“We appreciate animal control and their assistance in housing the dog,” Heagney said. “The good news is there’s been an overwhelming amount of support from the public in wanting to adopt this dog. Our goal now is to find this dog a loving home.”