(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Animal Neglect

Dog in extremely poor state brought to Central Alberta Humane Society

Dec 6, 2019 | 2:26 PM

Warning: The images below could be disturbing. Discretion is advised.

Angel the chocolate lab mix is slowly getting healthier with assistance from the staff at Central Alberta Humane Society in Red Deer.

With no identification on her, Angel was brought in on Tue., Dec. 3 by a Sylvan Lake resident who found her outside an apartment on Hinshaw Drive.

The dog was extremely malnourished and a veterinarian has since confirmed she has full paralysis of her hindquarters.

Humane Society Executive Director Tara Hellewell says it may be impossible anyway to determine exactly how Angel got this way.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

5h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

“We don’t see anything that shows any sign of abuse off the bat, but we probably will seek a second opinion,” she says.

“Cases like this are often associated with mental illness, or issues that really can be beyond a person’s control. There could be economic challenges. We don’t know that cruelty has been inflicted intentionally here, but if you see things or believe an animal could be in distress, you need to reach out. Animals need us to speak up for them.”

(Central Alberta Humane Society)

Hellewell points out that Angel was left in a high-traffic area, suggesting that perhaps the owner compassionately left her where someone would find her.

“Right now, she’s very stable, alert, hungry, and she’s peeing and pooping, so those are good signs,” says Hellewell. “We’re still assessing her blood work. It doesn’t appear right now that she has an underlying condition. It appears she just didn’t get the right kind of food to put on weight; that’s our initial assessment.”

Angel is also dealing with incontinence due to the paralysis. Hellewell notes it’s possible her rear-end issues could be a birth deformity.

Since posting Angel’s story to Facebook, more than 155 people have donated over $7300 towards her care. A potential adopter has also stepped up to take Angel home once her ownership is officially turned over to the Humane Society.

The Town of Sylvan Lake’s Municipal Enforcement Department is investigating and could potentially seek criminal charges under the Animal Protection Act.