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Lorraine Houston
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Cyrus the Rottweiler is on the mend

August 8, 2007 09:10 AM
 
 
Dear Critter Chatter:

Last week I saw the news about a Rottweiler that was left in the hot car, and I could not believe that someone could do such a thing! Do you know how the dog is doing and will the owner be charged?

North York Mirror Reader

 

Dear Reader,

Cyrus, the Rottweiler, is currently in the care of the Toronto Humane Society (THS). The website report indicates that Cyrus is fighting his way through and seems much healthier than expected. He is still spending his time quietly recuperating, but isn't out of the woods yet.

I spoke yesterday with THS senior communicator Lee Oliver, who said, "Cyrus is doing a lot better this week. He's starting to walk on his own, seems more aware of what's going on around him and his mobility is a bit better. He's still on intravenous fluids but seems somewhat more interested in food this week. We are all very hopeful that he will continue to show improvements."

Animal cruelty charges have been laid against the owner, who will appear in court in September. If he is convicted the maximum penalty is a $2,000 fine and/or up to six months in jail and a possible two-year prohibition against owning animals.

I, too, struggle to understand how anyone could not be aware that they had left their dog in the car on a scorching, hot day - or any day for that matter. From the reports I read, Cyrus had been left the car for several hours. How can you "forget" you have your dog in the car? Then again, how could anyone with a conscience continue shopping, conducting business or doing whatever knowing their dog is literally trapped inside a furnace? Ignorance, forgetfulness, stupidity, all of the above - in any case, there is no excuse or justification for such recklessness.

The Toronto Humane Society has initiated a petition to try and strengthen animal cruelty laws in Ontario. Read more online at www.petitiononline.com/ths0708/petition.html. Donations can be made online at www.torontohumanesociety.com or by calling 416-392-2273. The THS recommends leaving animals at home during the summer season.