Freeport family devastated over handling of deceased dog’s remains
For six agonizing days, the couple searched their neighborhood, calling for Roxie and hoping for the best. What they didn’t know was that Roxie’s body had already been found by police shortly after she went missing.
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A Freeport family is grieving the sudden loss of their dog and how the situation was handled by local authorities — raising concerns about what happens when a pet goes missing.
Francine Melendez and her husband Nelson say their 2-year-old dog, Roxie, got out of their backyard on July 4 without her collar. The family says Roxie was hit by a car and died — but they didn’t find out for nearly a week.
“I’m just heartbroken,” Francine told News 12. “We loved her so.”
For six agonizing days, the couple searched their neighborhood, calling for Roxie and hoping for the best. What they didn’t know was that Roxie’s body had already been found by police shortly after she went missing.
A report obtained by News 12 shows that someone called Freeport police around 1:30 p.m. on July 4 to report a deceased dog. By 2 p.m., Roxie’s body had been taken to the Village Garage.
“We found out Roxie was taken to Public Works and put outside a dumpster,” said Rose Feeney, an advocate and admin of the Facebook group "Missing Angels Long Island," which helps reunite lost pets with their families.
Feeney says the situation could have been avoided if proper protocol had been followed — specifically, if Roxie had been scanned for a microchip.
Roxie’s microchip was registered and could have helped identify her owners. Advocates say animal control or any nearby veterinary office could have scanned the chip — or the dog could have been brought to a shelter, where scanning is standard procedure.
“The local shelter should have been notified, ” Feeney said. “Or Roxie could have been taken to any vet.”
In a statement to News 12, Village of Freeport attorney Howard Colton acknowledged the situation, saying:
“Unfortunately, despite efforts, and it being July 4 and a taxing day for the village police, verifying the owner was not possible. Freeport extends its condolences on the loss of a beloved pet.”
According to the attorney, officers would normally contact the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter.
To make matters worse, Roxie’s remains were never recovered after being taken to the village garage.
The family says it has been left without closure, as well as questions about how such a lapse could occur.
