Residents of Arlington and neighboring communities are asked to check their yards, social media and recent activity after a chocolate Labrador was discovered tied to a street sign on VT Route 7A near White Trail Run in the early morning hours of June 30, the Vermont State Police said.
The dog, described by state police as a chocolate Labrador retriever, was located at about 3 a.m. Troopers have not released information about the animal’s condition beyond the initial description or indicated whether any suspect has been identified.
What officials are asking residents to do
Troopers from the Shaftsbury barracks are seeking information that could help locate the dog’s owner or establish the circumstances that led to the animal being left on the roadside. Anyone who saw suspicious activity in the area around that time, or who recognizes the dog, should get in touch.
- Call Trooper Benjamin Prandini at the Vermont State Police Shaftsbury barracks: (802) 442-5421.
- Submit an anonymous tip online through the Vermont State Police Tip Submission Page.
- Text the keyword “VTIPS” to 274637 (CRIMES) to send a tip via mobile.
Those methods are being used to collect leads while preserving the option for anonymity, state police said. Troopers did not provide further details on how long the dog remained at the scene or whether animal-control or veterinary services were involved after discovery.
| Contact method | Information |
|---|---|
| Phone | (802) 442-5421 — Trooper Benjamin Prandini, Shaftsbury barracks |
| Online tip | https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit |
| Text | Send “VTIPS” to 274637 (CRIMES) |
Abandoning an animal can prompt criminal or civil investigations under Vermont law; the state police encourage anyone with relevant information to contact them promptly. Local animal-shelter volunteers and neighbors often play a key role in identifying stray or abandoned pets, and officials said tips from the public have led to successful reunions in other cases.
Vermont State Police did not provide a photograph in their initial release but described the dog as a female chocolate Labrador. Additional updates may be released by the Shaftsbury barracks as the investigation continues.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Shaftsbury barracks at the number above, use the online tip form, or send a text tip; anonymity is available through the VSP tip portal.
