Police continue to search for clues after a dog was found tied to a fence and shot on the Stoney Nakoda First Nation last month.
The dog, who suffered a chest wound, was taken to a Cochrane vet clinic to be treated and to determine the type of weapon used in the incident, said Cpl. Mel Calahasen of Cochrane’s RCMP detachment.
“Unfortunately, they were unable to retrieve the bullet,” he remarked. “At this point, we’re still trying to identify what type of firearm was used.”
The body of another dog — dead, frozen and owned by the same family — was found on the same property. Calahasen said the corpse was taken to a clinic to be X-rayed, but no bullet fragments were discovered.
Calahasen said there are no updated reports on the well-being of the recovering canine.
Landowners are permitted to shoot at a dog if the canine is on their property and chasing or hurting livestock. However, the dog shouldn’t suffer.
For the past 15 years, the Cochrane and Area Humane Society has made weekly trips to the Nation to round up stray dogs and implement preventative programming, including a subsidized spay and neuter program.
Cheryl Wallach, spokesperson for the shelter, said the organization has seen steady improvement in the condition of dogs on the Nation over the past decade and a half.
“We used to see a lot of animals suffering from illness and injury,” said Wallach. “But that’s not the case anymore. There’s an increase in awareness in animal welfare.”
In 2012, the shelter rounded up 297 dogs from the Nation, up from 2011’s 195 canines. Last year, the organization took in more than 200 dogs from Morley.
Awareness for the spay-neuter program has increased; currently there is a waitlist to partake in the service.
“Overall, what we’re seeing is positive,” said Wallach. “More people are coming to us for help.
“You’re always going to have the odd case of abuse and neglect reported. But people need to know that we’re here if they need us.”
Investigation into the shooting of the dog is ongoing.
