Narragansett, Rhode Island, witnessed an unusual parking lot scene on May 21, 2025, when 14 dogs burst out of a small SUV and scattered across the area. The owner of the vehicle, a man traveling from New York to Maine, had stopped in a Marshall’s parking lot to separate two dogs that were fighting in the backseat. That’s when the chaos began.
While attempting to handle the squabble, the man accidentally left a door or window open, allowing over a dozen dogs to make their escape. The dogs ran wild through the lot, surprising shoppers and even dashing into the nearby store. “It looked like something out of a movie,” one witness said. “Dogs were everywhere—some barking, some just trotting around.”
Community Steps In to Help
Bystanders and store employees joined in to help local authorities round up the runaways. Most of the dogs were Belgian Malinois—a breed known for intelligence, energy, and strong guarding instincts. Some were eventually corralled on a nearby baseball field. No injuries were reported among people or animals, but it was a tense few hours for police and animal control officers working to get the situation under control.
The dogs’ owner told police he was transporting them to Maine to sell. That prompted concerns from the Rhode Island SPCA, which launched an investigation into the incident. Officials are now evaluating whether the transport complied with animal safety regulations.
A Closer Look at Animal Transport Risks
The event underscores broader concerns about how animals, especially a large number of them, are moved long distances. Belgian Malinois are high-drive working dogs, often used in military and police work. Keeping so many of them confined in a standard SUV raises red flags.
The Rhode Island SPCA has not yet announced whether any charges will be filed, but reminded the public that transporting multiple animals requires proper containment and care. “We’re reviewing the situation to determine if there was any cruelty, neglect, or regulatory violation,” a spokesperson said.
What Happens to the Dogs Now?
All dogs were safely captured and are currently in the custody of the Rhode Island SPCA. They will undergo veterinary evaluation and behavioral assessments. Depending on the outcome of the investigation, the dogs may be returned to their owner, transferred to rescue groups, or put up for adoption.
For now, the parking lot escapade serves as a wild reminder that even a quick stop can turn into a full-blown animal control operation when protocols aren’t followed
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