Dog OK, not in distress: Humane Society on animal at centre of online uproar

Online furor has grown in recent days, over online reports a dog has been living in a minivan belonging to it's owner - as temperatures outside climb.

In recent days, one dog has been at the centre of controversy, as a number of Edmontonians say the golden retriever has been living in a minivan – and concern has grown for the animal’s safety, as temperatures rise.

In two days, an online petition has garnered more than 5,000 signatures – all in an effort to get police and the mayor to step in and rescue the dog.

The petition came in response to growing concern, sparked by photos showing the dog in the minivan in the city’s core.

Edmonton Humane Society officials said officers have been called in, but haven’t been able to do anything.

“Our officers have gone to check on the dog in the last three weeks, and every time the dog is OK, a little hot, and not in any distress,” Humane Society spokesperson Karen Meurer said.

The Humane Society also cautioned those concerned over the dog’s welfare to not do anything about the animal, or the owner, on their own.

Mayor Don Iveson said there is a difference between his personal thoughts on the dog, and what officials are legally allowed to do under the law.

“In the event that the animal’s welfare gets to the point where there is cause to intervene, I will be as happy as everyone else that he has been removed from [that situation],” Iveson said Wednesday. “I wish the tools were different, and that’s something we will have to work with the province and the Humane Society.”

Iveson said the guidelines for animals in distress are set by the Humane Society and the provincial government.

With files from David Ewasuk