CLERMONT COUNTY, Ohio – A local man is facing charges after two dogs were found locked inside a gas station bathroom. Investigators later identified the alleged owner through his own social media posts.
Robert Scott Dooley, of Cincinnati, is charged with two counts of abandoning animals, a second-degree misdemeanor.
According to a complaint filed in Clermont County Municipal Court, the case stems from an incident on Jan. 5 at a Shell gas station on Ohio Pike in Union Township.
Law enforcement says two dogs were found locked inside a restroom at the station. Both animals were recovered and taken to the Clermont County Animal Shelter.
Investigators say the case took a turn weeks later when Dooley allegedly identified himself in the comments section of a Facebook post shared by the shelter featuring the dogs, posting photos and claiming ownership.
Officials say a deputy dog warden later contacted Dooley using a phone number linked to shelter records.
During that conversation, Dooley allegedly confirmed the dogs were his and admitted he left them at the gas station because he was homeless. Authorities say he was advised to reclaim the animals but never did, and investigators were unable to make further contact with him.
A warrant was issued in the case on March 31.
