Surveillance video aimed at curtailing illegal dumping helped rescue an abandoned pit bull in December. The dog, named Mojave, spent just 30 minutes at The Kansas City Pet Project Adoption Center in Zona Rosa before being adopted last week, bringing a happy ending to a much-publicized event. According to a press release, hidden camera photos in the 4500 block of Brooklyn Avenue in Kansas City, Mo. showed two people inside an SUV pull over, open a door and dump out a dog, which chased after the vehicle as it drove away. The photos were taken on Dec. 10.
The hidden cameras are used to capture evidence to prosecute illegal dumping cases.
Upon review of the evidence, Alan Ashurst, a code enforcement officer who monitors the photos, immediately called the Animal Health and Public Safety Division when he saw the photos. Then he set to work using the photos and license plate number to track down the suspect.
At the same time, Eron Dawkins, an Animal Health and Public Safety special investigator, went to the scene to look for the dog. On Friday, Dec. 18, he rescued the three-year-old pit bull mix and brought him to the KCMO Animal Shelter for a medical exam and treatment.
Investigators were able to trace the license plate of the vehicle to William F. Lee.
According to a release, citations have been issued to Lee, who will now face prosecution in municipal court on charges including animal abandonment, not having a pet license, allowing an animal to run at large, and for not having a pit bull neutered. Each of these citations has a maximum penalty of $500 per offense.
The city publicized the series of events in a news conference Wednesday, Dec. 30, and The KC Pet Project announced that afternoon that the dog had been adopted, posting a picture to social media of Mojave and his new owners, who were not aware of the back story until after choosing him to adopt.