Staff at the Red Deer and District SPCA are distraught and concerned after a dog in their care mysteriously vanished and may have even been stolen from the facility Thursday.
“We’re pretty upset about it,” said Amy Corpe, Red Deer and District SPCA Animal Care Manager.
Though they are closed on Thursday and Friday every week, there were staff in the building when the alleged theft took place. They were performing surgery on animals in their care and when they went to look for Syra to do a checkup on her, as she had recently had a surgery, when they noticed she was not in her kennel.
“We assumed maybe someone had taken her out for a walk, even though she has a do not walk sign on her kennel because of the recent surgery,” said Corpe.
“It is extremely difficult for a dog to just get up and let themselves out, it’s pretty much impossible. There’s no way she left without a human helping her.”
Syra had been at the Red Deer and District SPCA for one month.
The staffordshire terrior, spayed female is primarily white and has grey markings on her.
“She is extremely friendly with all humans, not so friendly with other critters,” said Corpe. “She has a pretty high prey drive.”
They have notified the Red Deer RCMP, Alberta Animal Services and the microchip company she is registered with. Because she is now registered as a stolen animal it should become easier to track her through the microchip.
Red Deer RCMP confirmed they have been notified of the investigation and responded to the scene of the incident. However, they were unable to determine if Syra was stolen or if she escaped of her own accord.
“To be honest, whoever took her I don’t care,” said Corpe. “I just want to know the dog is OK. All of our staff are so upset. I didn’t sleep Thursday night.
“We just want to know where she is and if she is OK. That’s all we care about.”
Anyone with information about Syra, her whereabouts or this incident is asked to contact Corpe at the SPCA at 403-342-7722 Ext. 208 or on her cell at 403-302-0583. Corpe said if anyone wants to pass information anonymously they can text her.
“I won’t ask questions, I don’t care,” said Corpe. “I just want tangible proof of where she is and if she is OK.”
mcrawford@www.reddeeradvocate.com