Dog Abandoned In Salem Canine Park Stirs Emotions On North Shore

SALEM, MA — A dog found abandoned in a Salem dog park is creating an outpouring of emotion, concern and a bit of outrage in the Witch City.

Salem police said the dog — which appears to be a German Shepherd or a shepherd mix — was found abandoned on Monday. Police said the dog was wearing a blue choke collar with a blue retractable leash but had no identification or microchip.

Police asked that the owner come forward and claim the dog and that anyone who knows who the dog might belong to is asked to contact Animal Control Officer Don Famico at 978-744-0171 Ext. 50121 or dfamico@salempd.net.

Salem police posted the notice on their department's Facebook page early Tuesday afternoon and it quickly drew a large response from residents expressing dismay at those who might have abandoned the dog, those wondering if there is an alternative explanation for the pretty puppy to be left like that, and those offering to foster or adopt him or her.

There were nearly 500 shares and 100 comments on the good-looking fella in the first two hours of the police post.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)