Police Looking For Owner Of German Shepherd Left Tied To Pole In Salem
SALEM (CBS) – Police are hoping to identify the owner of a German shepherd that was left tied to a pole in Salem.
Almost two weeks ago, the dog, who has been named Alice, was found abandoned outside the Northeast Animal Shelter. The shelter was closed and Alice was left tied up at 2 a.m.
"Which was very dangerous because this whole area up here is loaded with coyotes. This could have gone sour real quick," said Salem Police Animal Control Officer Don Famico.
The shelter in Salem has security cameras. The images show a minivan driving in and a man leaving Alice behind. Staff at the shelter discovered her when they got in almost five hours later.
"She's a big girl weighing in at about 110 pounds," said an employee in a video.
Alice does not have a micro-chip. The shelter staff thinks she's around six years old. They're treating her for ear infections.
Despite video the shelter took of Alice receiving belly rub, their main concern is that Alice is under-socialized and not used to people touching her.
"She's definitely a little snappy. She's fearful. She's obviously in a totally new environment which is not helping," said Bob Citrullo, executive director of the Northeast Animal Shelter.
Right now, Alice is not ready to find her forever home.
"If you're really truly trying to help an animal, don't tie it to the building, take the time explain the situation, give a shelter the information they need to properly rehome the animal," said Citrullo.
Those now taking care of the pup say properly rehoming Alice would have better helped her and also the person who abandoned her. Abandoning an animal is punishable by a seven-year jail sentence and fine.
Anyone who recognizes the dog is asked to call Salem Police.