Lexington, December 27, 2025
On Christmas morning, two puppies were found abandoned in a box outside the Lexington-Fayette Animal Care & Control shelter. The puppies lacked food, water, and shelter and were left by individuals who bypassed shelter staff. The shelter has surveillance footage of the incident and is requesting information from the public regarding those responsible. Abandoning animals is both cruel and illegal. The community’s response has been supportive, with many residents offering help and expressing outrage over the incident.
Two Puppies Abandoned Outside Lexington Animal Shelter on Christmas Morning
Lexington, Kentucky – On Christmas morning, two puppies were found abandoned outside the Lexington-Fayette Animal Care & Control shelter. The puppies were discovered in a box near a busy roadway, lacking food, water, or proper shelter. Surveillance footage revealed that two individuals abandoned the puppies without contacting shelter staff or arranging for their care. The Lexington-Fayette Animal Care & Control has an officer on duty 24/7 for emergencies and is requesting information about those responsible, urging anyone with information to contact their cruelty investigator at 859-255-9033 extension 229.
Details of the Incident
The puppies were found in a box near a busy roadway, lacking food, water, or shelter. Surveillance footage showed two individuals abandoning the puppies without contacting shelter staff or arranging for their care. The shelter maintains an officer on duty 24/7 for emergencies. The Lexington-Fayette Animal Care & Control is seeking information about those responsible and urges anyone with information to contact their cruelty investigator at 859-255-9033 extension 229.
Background on Animal Abandonment
Abandoning animals is not only cruel but also illegal. The Lexington-Fayette Animal Care & Control emphasizes the importance of contacting them or other local shelters if one is unable to care for a pet. They are available after-hours at a number on their door and can refer individuals to other rescue centers if they cannot take the animal immediately. The shelter reminds everyone that dumping animals anywhere is dangerous and illegal, and they will criminally prosecute anyone who leaves animals on their property. The shelter has seen an increase in animal dumping incidents in recent months and urges the public to work with them to ensure the safety and well-being of animals in the community.
Contact Information
If you have any information regarding the individuals responsible for abandoning the puppies, please contact the Lexington-Fayette Animal Care & Control’s cruelty investigator at 859-255-9033 extension 229. The shelter is committed to investigating such incidents and ensuring the safety and well-being of all animals in their care.
About Lexington-Fayette Animal Care & Control
The Lexington-Fayette Animal Care & Control is dedicated to promoting the welfare of animals in the Lexington community. They provide shelter, medical care, and adoption services for animals in need. The shelter also works to educate the public on responsible pet ownership and the importance of spaying and neutering to control the pet population. They are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all animals in their care and rely on the support of the community to continue their mission.
Related Incidents
Animal abandonment is a serious issue that affects communities nationwide. In October 2025, a man was charged after surveillance video showed him throwing puppies over a fence at the Logan County Animal Care and Control in Kentucky. The puppies did not survive the incident. Such cases highlight the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need for communities to work together to prevent animal abandonment.
Preventing Animal Abandonment
To prevent animal abandonment, it is crucial for pet owners to plan ahead and make arrangements for their pets if they are unable to care for them. Contacting local shelters or rescue organizations can provide resources and support for rehoming pets. Additionally, educating the public on the responsibilities of pet ownership and the consequences of abandonment can help reduce such incidents.
Legal Implications
Abandoning animals is illegal and can result in criminal charges. The Lexington-Fayette Animal Care & Control emphasizes the importance of contacting them or other local shelters if one is unable to care for a pet. They are available after-hours at a number on their door and can refer individuals to other rescue centers if they cannot take the animal immediately. The shelter reminds everyone that dumping animals anywhere is dangerous and illegal, and they will criminally prosecute anyone who leaves animals on their property. The shelter has seen an increase in animal dumping incidents in recent months and urges the public to work with them to ensure the safety and well-being of animals in the community.
Community Response
The Lexington community has shown support for the shelter and the puppies. Many residents have expressed their outrage over the incident and have offered assistance to the shelter. The shelter has received numerous calls and messages from individuals wanting to help and adopt the puppies. The community’s response highlights the compassion and care that exists within Lexington for animals in need.
Adoption Information
The Lexington-Fayette Animal Care & Control has a variety of animals available for adoption. Prospective pet owners can visit their website or contact the shelter directly for more information on available animals and the adoption process. The shelter encourages individuals to consider adopting a pet and providing them with a loving and caring home.
Volunteer Opportunities
The shelter offers various volunteer opportunities for individuals interested in supporting their mission. Volunteers can assist with animal care, adoption events, community outreach, and more. Volunteering at the shelter provides an opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of animals and the community.
Donations
The Lexington-Fayette Animal Care & Control relies on donations from the community to continue their work. Donations help provide medical care, food, shelter, and other necessities for the animals in their care. Individuals can donate online through the shelter’s website or by contacting them directly.
Spaying and Neutering
Spaying and neutering are essential in controlling the pet population and preventing unwanted animals. The Lexington-Fayette Animal Care & Control offers spaying and neutering services and encourages pet owners to take advantage of these services. By spaying and neutering, pet owners can help reduce the number of animals in shelters and ensure that their pets live longer, healthier lives.
Educational Programs
The shelter offers educational programs for schools and community groups to promote responsible pet ownership and animal welfare. These programs provide information on topics such as pet care, the importance of spaying and neutering, and how to prevent animal abandonment.
Animal Welfare Laws
Animal welfare laws are in place to protect animals from abuse and neglect. The Lexington-Fayette Animal Care & Control works closely with local law enforcement to enforce these laws and ensure the safety and well-being of animals in the community.
Support for Pet Owners
The shelter offers support for pet owners who may be facing challenges in caring for their pets. They provide resources and information on pet care, behavior, and health. The shelter also offers assistance in rehoming pets when necessary.
Community Involvement
The Lexington-Fayette Animal Care & Control encourages community involvement in their mission. They offer various programs and events throughout the year that allow individuals to get involved and make a difference in the lives of animals.
Animal Welfare Initiatives
The shelter is involved in various animal welfare initiatives aimed at improving the lives of animals in the community.
Public Awareness Campaigns
The Lexington-Fayette Animal Care & Control conducts public awareness campaigns to educate the community on responsible pet ownership and the consequences of animal abandonment.
Partnerships with Other Organizations
The shelter collaborates with other organizations to enhance animal welfare in the community.
Animal Behavior and Training
The shelter offers resources and programs on animal behavior and training to help pet owners address behavioral issues and ensure their pets are well-adjusted and happy.
Pet Health and Wellness
The shelter provides information and resources on pet health and wellness, including nutrition, exercise, and preventive care.
FAQs
What happened on Christmas morning?
On Christmas morning, two puppies were found abandoned outside the Lexington-Fayette Animal Care & Control shelter.
Where were the puppies found?
The puppies were discovered in a box near a busy roadway, lacking food, water, or proper shelter.
What kind of support can the shelter offer?
The shelter provides resources and information on pet care, behavior, and health, as well as assistance in rehoming pets when necessary.
How can the public help the shelter?
The public can help by adopting animals, volunteering, donating, or participating in community events.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | Christmas Morning |
| Location | Lexington-Fayette Animal Care & Control shelter |
| Puppies Condition | Found in a box, lacking food, water, or shelter |
| Contact Information | 859-255-9033 extension 229 for the cruelty investigator |
| Legal Status | Abandoning animals is illegal |
Now Happening on X
- @FOX56News (December 27, 2025, 8:00 AM) A suspect has been taken into custody in connection with a shots-fired call near Centre Parkway in Lexington. View on X
- @LEX18News (December 26, 2025, 11:16 AM) A large police presence was reported in the 200 block of South Limestone amid a confirmed shooting early Friday morning, with one person seen in handcuffs. View on X
- @lexkypolice (December 26, 2025, 1:05 PM) Officers responded to a shooting in the 200 block of South Limestone around 4:58 AM, where a female victim was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. View on X
- @FOX56News (December 26, 2025, 4:00 PM) Lexington Police are investigating after a car was damaged on Christmas morning by a person wielding a shovel. View on X
- @LEX18News (December 24, 2025, 12:45 AM) Authorities responded to reports of shots fired in the 1800 block of Versailles Road around 6:40 PM. View on X
- @FOX56News (December 23, 2025, 7:55 PM) Lexington Fire Department continues to battle flames at an apartment complex fire that displaced residents from multiple units. View on X
- @heraldleader (December 22, 2025, 11:10 PM) A man has been charged with intentionally setting a fire at an occupied Lexington hotel. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
