There has been an increase in the number of abandoned dogs in the Rochester area. The latest, a pit bull, was found dead in a dumpster in the town of Gates.

A male pit bull, who was wrapped in a bag, was found dead inside a dumpster behind a business on Hinchey Road in Gates. It has not been determined if the dog died of natural causes. Police are looking for the owner.

With an increase in abandoned dog cases, shelters throughout Monroe County say there are better options.

"We don't hold anyone accountable for bringing in an animal that they can't take care of anymore. It's better to bring it in and let us try to find it a new home then somebody just letting it loose," said Reno DiDomenico, Humane Society of Greater Rochester.

The Ontario County Humane Society is asking for help finding the owner of a grey Shih Tzu dog that was left in a cardboard box on Route 444 in the town of Victor. The abandoned dog was blind, deaf, and in poor health.

"It may be an economy issue or maybe it's just general education that people don't know that you can bring them to a shelter," DiDomenico said.

Last Monday, almost a dozen pit bull puppies were found abandoned in a box outside Penfield Veterinary Hospital. The puppies are being cared for at Pitty Love Rescue.

"It's illegal to abandon an animal at a public place so bring it to a shelter."

Abandoned dogs like Pierre, who was left in a garbage bag inside a Petco store in January, have become eligible for adoption. But the future for some of these dogs is bleak.

Minnie was found severely injured inside a crate along train tracks in Rochester. After she became aggressive, due to a likely history of dog fighting, the rescue shelter had to put her down.

If you can no longer take care of your pet, or find a stray or dead animal, you should contact animal control or a local shelter during the day. After hours, Gates Animal Control, along with the Humane Society, recommends calling 911.