Officials appeal to public for help in identifying who abandoned mastiff on parkway

Nassau officials are asking for help from the public to find who is responsible for abandoning an English mastiff left tied to a pole on the Southern State Parkway. 

“We're asking for anybody who recognizes Roxi, please call the state police, call my office, we will get that information to the state police and follow up,” Nassau District Attorney Anne Donnelly said at a news conference Wednesday. 

Roxi, a 4-year-old female English mastiff, was found tied to a light pole near Exit 21 on the parkway Monday. 

Hempstead Town Supervisor Donald X. Clavin Jr. credited members of the public who have come forward wanting to adopt Roxi.

“We probably received over 50 phone calls from as far as California and Washington, and right here in Wantagh,” Clavin said at the news conference. “People are recognizing this dog needs a loving home and that's why I say from this tragedy, we can really turn it into a plus.”

Clavin said roughly 25 people from the metropolitan area have driven to the shelter to express their interest in adopting the dog. But officials will need to complete their investigation before evaluating candidates to adopt Roxi, he said.

Clavin emphasized that aside from Roxi, there are other animals at the shelter who need a home, too. 

New York State Troopers found the underweight dog Monday morning after a driver noticed Roxi on the shoulder of the parkway during their commute to work. She was found with a bowl of food and a handwritten note identifying her and asking that she "get good care."

Troopers brought her to the Hempstead animal shelter later that morning.

Roxi was “underweight [and] covered in fleas, other than that, she was in pretty good condition,” said Ashley Behrens, the shelter's director. “Her teeth were in good shape, she has a good coat.She was a little nervous because of the traumatic experience.”

Behrens says Roxi weighs 121 pounds, and her ideal weight should be between 141 to 150 pounds.

Officials are asking for Roxi's owner or anyone who has additional information to contact the New York State Police at 631-756-3300.