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Nashua police investigating incident involving an abandoned dog, ask for public's help

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, September 19th 2025 at 23:59 GMT by WMUR
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Nashua Police Launch Investigation After Abandoned Dog Found in West Nashua Neighborhood

In the early hours of Tuesday, a team of Nashua Police Department (NPD) officers received a frantic 911 call from a resident on Walnut Street, reporting an abandoned dog lying on the curb. The animal was described as a small, wiry‑haired terrier mix with a missing left ear and visible bruising on its flank. Police responded promptly, found the dog lying on a plastic bag, and immediately seized the animal as evidence. The incident has sparked a city‑wide investigation that is now looking into possible animal cruelty, neglect, and theft of property.

The Dog’s Story

When the NPD arrived, the dog was in a visibly distressed state. Officers administered a preliminary veterinary assessment on scene and found the animal severely dehydrated, malnourished, and with an open wound on its chest that had been left untreated for several days. The dog was given an initial dose of antibiotics and a fluid bolus to stabilize it before being transported to the city’s animal shelter.

According to the shelter’s intake officer, the dog’s collar was broken, and there was no identification tag. A micro‑chip scan returned no registered owner. “We’re looking for any information that could help us locate a rightful owner or determine if this was an intentional act of cruelty,” said the shelter manager, Sarah Lopez.

The animal was given the temporary name “Scout” by shelter staff, a nod to the dog’s keen sense of smell. “It’s clear that Scout has been neglected for some time,” Lopez added. “There are clear signs of long‑term abuse and inadequate care.”

Police Investigation

The NPD is conducting a comprehensive investigation into the abandoned animal. Officers are canvassing the surrounding area for potential witnesses or owners. They have also reached out to the city’s Animal Control Department and the New Hampshire Department of Animal Care (NHDAC) to coordinate the investigation and ensure compliance with state statutes regarding animal abuse.

The NPD has released a statement, urging anyone who may have information about the dog or the circumstances leading to its abandonment to contact the department. “We are treating this as a potential felony case under New Hampshire’s Animal Cruelty Act,” the statement read. “We will investigate all leads and pursue criminal charges against anyone who has been found responsible.”

In addition to canvassing the neighborhood, officers are reviewing nearby CCTV footage. “We’re looking at security cameras from a handful of businesses on Walnut and Main Streets to see if we can identify anyone who might have interacted with the dog,” explained Officer Matthew Reyes, who is assigned to the case. Reyes is also coordinating with the city’s forensic lab to collect DNA samples from the dog’s bite marks, which could help identify a potential abuser or victim.

The investigation is not limited to the dog’s current condition; the NPD is also investigating whether other pets in the neighborhood may be in danger. “We’ve seen a rise in reports of stray and abandoned animals over the past few weeks, and we want to make sure we address any broader issues that might be going on,” Officer Reyes said.

Community Response

The incident has elicited a strong response from local residents. The owner of a nearby apartment building has posted on the city’s official Facebook page, offering to provide a temporary home for Scout until a more permanent solution is found. “We’re happy to help in any way we can,” the owner said.

The city’s animal welfare nonprofit, New Hampshire Humane Society, has also stepped in. Their director, Dr. Emily Chen, is coordinating with the shelter to ensure that Scout receives the best possible care. “We’re working closely with the police and animal control to keep Scout healthy and safe while we investigate the cause of this situation,” Chen said.

Several residents have taken to social media to demand stricter enforcement of local ordinances that prohibit animal cruelty and abandonment. The city council has scheduled a meeting next week to discuss potential changes to the ordinance. “We want to make sure we have the legal tools to prosecute offenders and protect animals in our city,” said Councilmember Karen Brooks.

Legal Context

New Hampshire’s Animal Cruelty Act makes it a felony to deliberately or knowingly cause an animal to suffer by denying it food, water, or medical care, or to expose it to danger or an environment in which it is likely to suffer. The Act also includes provisions for the abduction or theft of animals, which could apply to the situation with Scout. If the police can identify a suspect, the offender could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

Additionally, the state’s Animal Welfare Act mandates that any abandoned animal be reported to local animal control. Failure to do so can result in civil penalties and possible criminal charges. “The law is clear that abandoning an animal is not a victimless act,” stated attorney John Dwyer, who specializes in animal law. “Those who do it must face consequences.”

What to Do If You Find an Abandoned Animal

The NPD’s investigation has also prompted a reminder from the Department of Animal Control about how to handle a similar situation. First, do not approach the animal if it is visibly frightened or aggressive. If you are able to safely capture it, call 911 or the local animal control number (603-555-0198). If the animal appears healthy and not injured, you can contact the local shelter or animal control to provide immediate care. Do not keep a stray or abandoned animal in your home without first reporting it to authorities, as this could be illegal under state law.

Next Steps

The Nashua Police Department is continuing its investigation and has requested the public’s cooperation in uncovering what happened to Scout. Officers are asking for anyone with potential information—be it a photograph of the dog, knowledge of a missing owner, or even just a suspect’s description—to contact the department at (603) 555-0198 or email the investigation unit at police@nashua.gov.

While the dog receives care, the city’s animal welfare community is working hard to keep the public informed. A city press release will be issued once the investigation yields a suspect or definitive evidence. Until then, the community remains hopeful that justice will be served and that Scout will find a loving forever home.

Source: WMUR News, “Nashua Police Investigate Abandoned Dog,” published September 19, 2025.