Animal control in search of answers after puppy found taped in plastic bin
The Bonner Springs Animal Control is seeking the public’s assistance in locating an individual who left a dog sealed in a plastic bin outside a veterinary clinic overnight Thursday.
The dog, named Kenji, according to the plastic tote he was found in, was located at the Bonner Springs Animal Care Center, according to a social media post from the Bonner Springs Animal Control. It’s unclear how long the dog was in the tote, or at what time he was discovered.
According to an animal control officer, Kenji appeared to be suffering from a rectal prolapse, the post said.
“Leaving a dog taped inside a plastic tote with no ventilation, during a storm, while the dog is suffering from a rectal prolapse, is not an act of compassion or desperation — it is abandonment and it places the animal at serious risk of suffering or death,” an animal control officer said in the post.
In a picture posted to the animal control’s Facebook page, two strips of tape can be seen holding down the top of the bin. The dog’s name is written on the side of the tote, as well as a message: “Maybe not yet, but when he feels better he has a big appetite.” A plastic bag containing what appeared to be food was taped to the side of the tote.
The tub also said Kenji was “strong” and “healthy,” and that he is around 4 months old, according to the picture.
According to Bonner Springs’ municipal code, it is illegal to abandon animals within the city’s limits, the post said. Animals are also required to receive “proper care and shelter,” the post said.
“I want to make something very clear: help was available,” the post said. “No one contacted Animal Control, the police department, a rescue, or even asked the clinic staff for assistance beforehand. If they had, we would have worked to find a humane solution.”
The animal control officer said Kenji is now receiving proper care by the department’s veterinary partners.
The Bonner Springs Police Department recovered DNA evidence and fingerprints from the bin, the post said. Detectives are working with animal control officers to identify a potential suspect.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call Bonner Springs Animal Control at 913-422-7800, extension 1579, or Bonner Springs police dispatchers at 913-596-3000.
This story was originally published March 6, 2026 at 9:55 PM.
