As midnight neared, the dog was still tethered to a railing outside the now-closed shop in Olsztyn, Poland, with no sign of its owner.
The situation became increasingly concerning as the clock ticked past 11:30 p.m., and it was clear the dog needed help.
Distressed and abandoned
At around 11:30 p.m., the local police received a report about an unattended dog. A patrol officer from the animal affairs unit was immediately dispatched to the scene.
Upon arrival, officers found the dog still tied up outside the closed store, clearly distressed and alone. With no sign of its owner, the officers acted quickly to untie the animal and take it to a nearby shelter for safety.
Owner tracked down and fined
After an investigation, the dog's owner was identified and fined for abandoning the animal.
Authorities in Poland are using this case to raise awareness about the dangers of leaving pets unattended in public, especially late at night. Even with plans to return, it can cause severe stress and harm.
