Crime & Safety
Durham Sheriff Seeks Person of Interest in Animal Cruelty Case
Durham, NC – The Durham County Sheriff's Office Animal Services unit is actively seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a person of interest involved…
By Evan Cross · 2026-09-09T19:35:51.780Z
Durham, NC – The Durham County Sheriff & 39;s Office Animal Services unit is actively seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a person of interest involved in a suspected case of animal cruelty. The investigation follows a distressing discovery made by employees at a business located in the 2000 block of Chapel Hill Road.
According to the sheriff& 39;s office, on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, around 10:00 a.m., staff at the business discovered a tan pit bull mix trapped inside a dumpster. The workers took immediate action, waving down an approaching collection truck to alert them. A deputy responded to the scene and successfully rescued the dog.
Surveillance footage obtained from the property reportedly shows a person of interest leaving the scene and walking toward House Street shortly after 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Officials describe the individual as a Black male seen wearing an orange shirt and dark pants.
Animal Services officials emphasized that there are resources available for pet owners who can no longer care for their animals, including surrender programs that provide safe alternatives to abandonment. They reiterated that there is never a justification for such cruelty.
Anyone who recognizes the individual in the footage or has information regarding this incident is urged to contact the DCSO communications center at 919 560 0900 or Animal Services at 919 560 0630.
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