Montreal SPCA appeals to public for help identifying owners of dog found suffering

The Montreal SPCA is seeking the public's help to identify the owner of a dog found suffering from gross neglect that had to beeuthanized Wednesday.

The dog, a nine-year-old shih tzu that SPCA staff named Penelope, was found abandoned last weekend in the parking lot of a Harvey's restaurant near the SPCA's headquarters on Jean-Talon Boulevard.

"She was suffering from severe problems thatcan't just show up overnight, that require months of inadequate care," SPCAlawyerSophieGaillard told CBC News.

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The dog was in critical condition, suffering from serious problems with her eyes and skin as well as malnutrition, severe dehydration, organ failureand untreated diabetes.

SPCA veterinarians determined that she was not likely to recover and euthanized PenelopeonWednesday morning.

"Unfortunately, the tests revealed that her organs were shutting downand there was reallynothingwe could do to keep hercomfortable," Gaillard said.

"The chances of her recovery were almost nil."

$1,000 reward for information

Gaillard said the SPCA has no leads or video evidence and is appealing to the public to come forward with information of suspicious activity around the time Penelope was found.

"Animal cruelty is a serious criminal offence and the perpetrator of this act could face up to five years in prison," she said.

The organization is offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to the successful prosecution ofthe dog's owners on animal cruelty charges.

Anyone with information is asked to contact SPCA investigations unit by email at inspection@spca.com or by telephone at (514) 735-2711, extension 2230.

All information is considered confidential.