‘Heartless.’ Dogs were tethered and abandoned in Charlotte snow storm, officials say
An animal cruelty investigation involving two dogs has ignited outrage on social media, after photos revealed the pets were tethered outside during Charlotte’s weekend snow storm.
The dogs, named Mickey and Minnie, were confiscated by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care and Control on Saturday, when parts of the county saw a foot of snow fall in 24 hours.
Multiple anonymous 311 callers alerted Animal Control Officers to the dogs’ predicament, officials said.
“The report indicated dogs (were) tethered outdoors during severe winter weather without adequate food, water, or shelter,” the agency wrote in a Feb. 2 Facebook post.
“The dogs were safely removed. ... They have received medical attention, continue to be monitored, and are safe, warm, and active.”
An investigation revealed the dogs were abandoned at a location “that was not the dog owner’s address,” officials said.
The owner was located by phone and he “provided a verbal agreement” allowing officers to seize the dogs, officials said. Animal Care and Control has not reported any charges being filed in the case.
Charlotte got 6 to 12 inches of snow on Saturday, and temperatures stayed below freezing, making it dangerous for humans and pets to stay venture outside for too long, forecasters say.
Animal Care and Control shared photos on social media, showing the dogs were seen standing and reclining in blizzard conditions, with no form of shelter or warmth in sight.
The images racked up more than 2,000 reactions and comments within a day on Facebook, with some calling the sight “heart-wrenching.” Many thanked the department for intervening at the height of a storm.
“How can people be so heartless,” Rehana Moore wrote on the Animal Care and Control Facebook page.
“Horrific conditions,” Kristi Crowder McElrath posted.
“Huge thank you to whoever reported this. This is how things get done, when we the people stand up for the voiceless,” Marci Bartelt said.
Mickey and Minnie are currently being cared for at the agency’s main shelter and “are on a 72-hour (plus) legal hold,” officials said.
This story was originally published February 3, 2026 at 8:27 AM.