NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EDMONTON HUMANE SOCIETY APPEALING FOR INFORMATION IN NEGLECTED DOG CASE
Shih Tzu type dog was brought to the animal shelter after allegedly being left inside a garbage bag enclosed in a cardboard box in a parking lot.

EDMONTON, AB (November 26, 2018) – The Edmonton Humane Society’s (EHS) Animal Protection Officers are requesting the public’s assistance in an attempt to identify the owner of a neglected dog brought into their care.

The Shih Tzu-type dog was admitted to the animal shelter on November 3, 2018, after a Good Samaritan allegedly found the dog tied inside a garbage bag within a closed cardboard box and left in the northeast corner of the Costco parking lot located at 12450 149 Street NW, Edmonton. The dog is male, black and white in colour, and estimated to be five years of age.

“The manner in which the dog was left and his condition upon arrival is extremely concerning,” said Peace Officer Bodnarchuk, Supervisor of Animal Protection Services at EHS. “In the entry exam, our medical team noted that his entire body was covered in dense mats tight to the skin, to the point where they were preventing him from defecating. The mats were also caked in urine and feces. Matting to this extent can cause discomfort and damage to the skin and joints, leading to pain. In addition, the staff determined he was thin and his nails overgrown.”

The dog – which staff have been calling Wyatt, meaning “Little Warrior” – is still receiving care from the EHS medical team but has been gaining weight and has had his matted fur shaved. He remains in protective custody at the animal shelter while the investigation is ongoing.

EHS’ Officers contacted the Costco store to find more information on how the dog ended up in the parking lot. Unfortunately, information was limited, which is why Officers are now turning to the public.

“We are hoping that either a witness who was at that store around 11:50 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. on November 3, or someone who recognizes the dog and can help identify an owner, will come forward,” said Peace Officer Bodnarchuk.

Anyone with first-hand information relating to the case is asked to call EHS’ Animal Protection department at 780-491-3517.

There is no timeline as to when the dog could become available for adoption due to the ongoing investigation. Interested adopters are encouraged to check EHS’ website regularly to view currently available pets. In the meantime, the charity is accepting donations towards Wyatt’s care and the thousands of other abandoned, neglected and homeless companion animals who come into the shelter each year. Donations can be made online at edmontonhumanesociety.com.

EHS’ Animal Protection Officers enforce the Animal Protection Act of Alberta (APA) within the City of Edmonton and rely on the eyes and ears of the community to report concerns. Anyone who has first-hand information on an animal being neglected or abandoned is encouraged to report it to the Animal Protection department by calling 780-491-3517.

 

 

 

As a leader in the advancement of animal welfare, the Edmonton Humane Society enriches the lives of people and companion animals through animal sheltering, programs and services, and community engagement. For more information, visit https://www.edmontonhumanesociety.com/.

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