The Guelph Humane Society (GHS) is seeking information from the public after three small poodle-mix dogs were found wandering near the 7th Line and Sideroad 25 in Centre Wellington on Nov. 6.
A GHS animal protection officer discovered all three dogs were suffering from severely matted fur.
The dogs were immediately transported to a veterinary hospital for treatment.
The three dogs, all female and estimated to be five-years old, are recovering in the care of GHS while an owner is sought.
None of the dogs were wearing any identification when they were found by a citizen.
Upon examination and treatment by a veterinarian, it was discovered the matting was so severe that it was causing the dogs a significant amount of pain and discomfort.
The matting was so heavy around the dogs’ feet and legs that it impeded their ability to walk and move freely.
One of the dogs is still walking with difficulty as a result of a shortened ligament and the attending veterinarian suspects that this is a direct result of the matting.
“We are looking for the public’s assistance to help find the owner of these dogs,” says Megan Swan, Ontario SPCA agent.
“Due to the condition in which the dogs were found, we are concerned this could be a case of long-term neglect. This matting would have occurred over months and months.”
Anyone with information that could assist in this investigation is asked to call the Guelph Humane Society at 519-824-3091, 310-SPCA (7722) or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
The GHS is reminding the community the humane society is “here to help individuals or families that can no longer care for their pets for any reason.”
