Woman Accused of Abandoning Dog Behind Skating Rink Faces Charges
Matthew Russell
A dog named Leno was left behind near Lorain Skate World, in Ohio, then seen chasing after the car that drove away.
Security footage showed a white Honda pull behind the skating rink around 8 p.m. Friday before the dog was left in the lot, Cleveland19 reports. The car turned around and left. Leno ran after it.
The video spread quickly. The Independent described the footage as the moment the abandoned dog followed the vehicle after being left behind.
Facebook/Lorain Police Department
Leno Survived Several Days Alone
At first, no one could reach him. Lorain Skate World said the dog appeared very scared and had not been captured or taken to a shelter, according to an earlier Cleveland19 report.
Hoodline reported that the incident happened in the rear lot of Lorain Skate World at 4952 West Erie Avenue. The rink asked the public to help identify the vehicle and anyone involved.
For four days, Leno wandered the neighborhood. He crossed busy roads. A neighbor, Emily Farley, saw him and feared he would be hit.
Facebook/Lorain Police Department
A Neighbor Refused to Give Up
On the fourth day, Leno showed up limping in Farley’s driveway. She grabbed a leash and four hot dogs.
She fed him one piece at a time. By the last bite, he was eating from her hand, Cleveland19 reports. Farley got the leash on him and brought him to the Lorain County Dog Kennel.
WKFM identified Leno as a brindle shepherd mix, about 50 to 60 pounds, and up to 3 years old.
Woman Charged After Dog Was Found Safe
Police later said 34-year-old Ciara Roman was charged with abandoning animals, annual registration of dogs violation, and a rabies immunization violation, Cleveland19 reports. She was issued a summons to appear in court.
The Chronicle-Telegram reported that Roman confessed Monday to abandoning a dog near Lorain Skate World after the security video surfaced.
Leno has since been transferred to Friendship Animal Protective League. WLWT reported that the dog police said had been abandoned was found safe, with a woman facing misdemeanor charges.
Leno’s rescue came down to a camera, a neighbor, and a dog who kept looking for someone to stop.
