Dog wasn't abandoned after all

The pit bullterrier's owner is just moving, Animal Control says.

ZEPHYRHILLS - When Pasco County Animal Control went out to check on what was thought to be an abandoned pit bullterrier in Jose Diana's rented house on Coleen Avenue on Thursday evening, they found the animal to be well-cared for.

"The dog is alive and well, happy and energetic, and not suffering from any type of abandonment or neglect," Animal Control manager Denise Hilton said Friday.

She said Animal Control officers interviewed neighbors who said that someone had been coming by to take care of the dog, a 3-year-old male named Tig.

"We have a contact number for the pet owner," Hilton said of Diana. "He's just in the process of moving and he hasn't taken the rest of his stuff yet."

A neighbor had reported the animal abandoned Wednesday to the Pasco County Sheriff's Office. Though a deputy made a report, it was not immediately forwarded to Animal Control.

Hilton said they spoke Thursday night with the original deputy who investigated the complaint on Wednesday.

"He knew that the animal appeared to be fine when he was there on Wednesday," she said.