Vet tech charged, fired after rescuing abandoned dog during snowstorm
A veterinary technician in North Carolina has been charged and fired after rescuing a dog left outside during a severe snowstorm, sparking a debate over compassion versus the law.
Dason Garner, who worked at an animal clinic in Rocky Mount, NC, says she acted out of instinct and care after spotting the abandoned dog, but now faces charges for keeping a stray animal, failure to surrender, and interfering with law enforcement, according to WRAL.
“I was only trying to help a dog who was suffering, cold, and in need,” Garner wrote on Facebook. “Being punished for trying to protect a vulnerable dog has left me feeling devastated, confused, and betrayed by a system that was supposed to value life and kindness.”
The incident occurred after a bomb cyclone swept through Wilson, NC, dumping more than 11 inches of snow over the weekend, CBS17 reported. Garner saw doorbell camera footage showing a woman, later identified as Ashley Baker, leaving the dog on a neighbor’s porch and quickly leaving.
After taking the dog in, Garner contacted animal control but was told to bring the dog in for investigation. She refused, citing her professional experience as a veterinary technician and groomer, believing the dog would be safer at her home.
“She wouldn’t stand a chance in a shelter,” Garner said. “It’s very heartbreaking. She was so sweet.”
Eventually, Garner located the dog’s owner, who had been missing the pet for more than two months. Baker has since been charged with animal abandonment.
Garner says the incident has taken a significant emotional toll, leading to anxiety, exhaustion, and feelings of helplessness. She added that her reputation and character have been questioned as a result of her actions, which she says were motivated solely by empathy.
Despite the legal and professional consequences, Garner says she does not regret rescuing the dog. “What hurts the most is that I would make the same choice again if it meant saving a life,” she wrote.
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