Dog found in ‘appalling condition’, GHS looking for owner

Officials are trying to track down any information after an animal was found in ‘appalling condition’ in Guelph.

Adrienne McBride is Executive Director of the Guelph Humane Society.

She says the one-year-old dog was discovered on Tuesday afternoon.

“A Rottweiler mix came to us – he was identified as a stray dog, found wandering at Wellington and Gordon Street in Guelph. When it arrived, we could immediately tell he was unwell and needed serious care.”

McBride says the dog was dehydrated, very underweight, had significant hair loss, and infections in its skin, eyes, and ears.

“So we’re just looking for more information on that dog, and a potential owner. We don’t know how long that dog was a stray – and how it contributed to its condition.”

McBride says luckily, this isn’t something they see frequently.

“But when we do see it – it’s very concerning. We do worry the dog has been in this condition for awhile, and was left untreated. We also know nothing about the dog – what he was eating, what he likes to play with, what kind of people he likes to be around. So we’d just like to learn more about the animal.”

If you ever see an animal – whether it’s a dog, cat, rabbit, or other – that needs help, call the Humane Society.

“That’s what we’re here for – to care for the animals in the community. So some people will bring animals to us, but we have officers out that can go out and help with that. We’re here for the community, and we want them to know that.”

When it comes to this young Rottweiler mix – McBride says their first goal is to track down an owner.

“If no owner comes forward, or it’s not possible for them to be reunited – the next step is we want to see this dog gain some weight, get healthy, and get over his infections. Then of course, he’ll be put up for adoption, and we’ll be looking for the right family to help make a new life for him.”

Megan Swan is an Ontario SPCA agent, and the friendly male dog is being monitored closely at a shelter in the meantime.

“We are looking for the public’s assistance to help find the owner of this dog. We would like to understand more about his medical condition and how he came to be wandering in downtown Guelph.”

If you have any information, you’re urged to call the Guelph Humane Society at 519-824-3091.

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