Dog behind fence

Tampa has experienced a recent increase in owners leaving their unwanted dogs on the side of streets and other places around Tampa.

This increase has led to possible solutions to help the problem from animal organizations. Some of those solutions include adding more surveillance on local roads and harsher punishments for those found guilty of dog dumping.

Some believe that that increase is due to puppy stores including Regan Blessinger from the Humane Society.

“The first thing, I would think, would be to completely eradicate puppy stores. That is where a lot of people who maybe didn’t do a ton of research go and buy puppies. There aren’t any background checks, there aren’t any due diligence done, so when those puppies get a little bit older or maybe they’re just acting like the breed, people don’t realize what it takes and they end up in shelters or unfortunately, they end up being dumped and abandoned on the side of the road.”

Along with puppy stores, Blessinger also believes how the economy is doing has an effect on dog dumping.

“Typically and historically when the economy is either not doing great or a little bit uncertain. the first thing people have to do – feel like they have to do – is get rid of their pets.”

The dog dumping movement has received support from actor Dave Bautista. In a post, he said that the dog dumping has made him “sick to his stomach” and would like to add five thousand dollars to the reward money for the dog dumper.

New Doodle Noodle Bar location is opening soon

Doodle Noodle Bar is opening a second location this spring.

The restaurant features Eastern cuisine and treats. They also have vegan and gluten-free options available. The new location is set to open on Fowler and will also have a drive-thru.

For updates on the new location click here.

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