Police in Everett, Washington, are searching for the person responsible for a disturbing act of animal abandonment after a dog was found zipped inside a suitcase and left behind a building. Officers were called on November 18 following reports of a dog abandoned near a dumpster. According to Everett Police, that call likely saved the animal’s life.
When officers arrived, they discovered the dog, now known as Binny, tied up inside a suitcase that had been left in the dumpster. Officer CJ Hawley told KOMO News that “When Binny was found, there was a rope around her.”
An officer quickly transported her to the Everett Animal Shelter, where staff members immediately began treating her. Leslie Wall, an assistant manager at the shelter, said they acted fast because of the dangerous conditions in which Binny had been left. “We ran some blood, started antibiotics, pain medication, and things like that,” Wall explained.
Binny’s condition was serious when she arrived. Wall said she had been vomiting blood and had abrasions around her neck, possibly caused by the rope. Staff members also learned she was postpartum and is believed to have given birth two to four weeks before she was abandoned.
Despite everything she endured, Binny has shown a remarkable ability to trust people. Wall told KOMO News that she has surprised the staff with her temperament. “She’s a great dog because she meets new people with excitement and enjoyment,” she said. “Which is something we don’t see a lot of times with dogs that have had this kind of history.”
As for her future, the shelter hopes Binny may be ready for adoption as early as next week, though that decision will be made by the veterinary team. She still needs to gain weight and complete a few medical checks before she can be cleared. Staff members are hopeful she will be able to settle into a new home by the holidays.
Wall added that Binny’s personality has blossomed as she continues to heal. “She’s become quite the energetic dog now, requires a lot of walks,” she said with a smile.
Meanwhile, Everett police and animal services have launched a criminal investigation. Officers are working to determine whether Binny’s case will fall under animal cruelty or abandonment. Hawley emphasized that it is being taken seriously. “We treat this just as seriously as we do with any other criminal offense. This doesn’t go to the back of any stack by any means,” he said.
In Washington state, certain animal cruelty charges can be classified as felonies. Investigators are asking anyone with information about how Binny ended up in the dumpster to call the Everett Police Department’s non-emergency line at 425-407-3999.