SPCA looking for witnesses after 2 dogs abandoned in Lake Echo

The Nova Scotia SPCAislooking for witnesses after two dogs were found abandoned at a playground in Lake Echo earlier this month.

The dogs, a male and a female,were found chained to a monkey bar set at the Bell Park Academic Centre on July 16. In a social media post, the SPCA said it is believed the dogs may have been dropped off around 1 p.m.

"We do think they were there for several hours," said Jo-Anne Landsburg, the Nova ScotiaSPCA chief provincial inspector. "They didn't have any water available to them, so it was a potentially dangerous situation for them."

Landsburg said the dogs, who have been named Bonnie and Clyde for the time being, are "in relatively good shape" and aren't showing any signs of abuse or neglect.

She said it's unlikely that the dogs, which are some type of bully-breed mix,were abandoned because of their breed.

"I can't see the breed in this particular dogto be the reason for their abandonment because they're so friendly and well cared for," she said.

Landsburg said it's rare that dogs are abandoned, but said there are options for owners who are having a difficult time keeping their animals.

She said animals can be given to the SPCA, whether it's due to financial stress, a new housing situation or other reasons.

"We're not judgmental," she said."We encourage anyone to reach out ot the SPCA if you find yourself in that situation."

The SPCA said abandonment is a violation of the Animal Protection Act and a cruelty investigation is underway.

"There's no excuse to abandon them in a playground," Landsburg said. "The ideal situation would have been to call us and give us the opportunity to take these dogs in and keep them safe."

She said the penalty of abandonment is upwards of six months in jail.

Anyone who has information or witnessed the incident is asked to call the SPCA's confidential toll-free line at 1-888-703-7722 or fill out an animal cruelty complaint form on their website.

Landsburg said there are no leads at this time, but she's hoping witnesses will come forward.

The SPCAisn'taccepting adoption applications for the dogs or visitors at this time.