Animals left to fend for themselves on three separate occasions over the holidays are getting a second chance at life after rescues by Dartmouth Animal Control.

According to Animal Control Officer Sandra Gosselin, her department rescued six cats and one dog after they were found abandoned. In one case, passerby Joseph Auger discovered a dog weak and malnourished on December 23 while driving on Old Fall River Road.

“This dog was just dumped on the side of the road. If she hadn’t been seen, I don’t think she would have made it,” Gosselin said.

After quickly alerting Animal Control, the dog – named “Gingerbread” by officers – was brought to Anchor Animal Hospital and treated for dehydration and a whipworm infection, Gosselin said. After a brief stay at the South Coast Humane Society & Shelter, Gingerbread found a new home with the same passerby who came to her rescue.

"She is doing great and healing well. She's settled in quite nicely and we are lucky to have her," Auger said via social media.

In the other two incidents, cats were found abandoned in pet carriers. A Dartmouth police officer on patrol discovered five cats in carriers on Sol-E-Mar Street at around 1 a.m. on December 29. Two days later, a cat was discovered in its carrier with a note explaining that the owner could no longer care for the animal on Route 6.

Gosselin said anyone having trouble caring for their pets, or those who can no longer care for them, should call the animal control office. She said Dartmouth Animal Control can work with pet owners to help them through medical or vaccination issues, and, if it comes to it, can help cover some of the cost of sending pets to shelters for adoption. Gosselin said typical surrender fees are $50, which animal shelters use to support animals’ health and food needs.

“People have to understand this is not acceptable. It is a felony,” Gosselin said of the recent incidents. “You’re better off to spend that $50 than end up charged with a felony.”

Offenders could face jail time, a criminal record and fines up to $5,000, she added.

The cats found abandoned over the past week are doing well, and will be up for adoption once they clear medical and behavioral evaluations, according to Gosselin.

All three cases are under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Dartmouth Animal Control at (508) 910-1840.