By Spencer Sterritt

Owner let off with warning after leaving dogs tied up in rainy Nanaimo parking lot

Jan 25, 2019 | 3:27 PM

NANAIMO — A pet owner received only a warning from police after leaving two dogs tied up with a rope to a truck in a busy Nanaimo parking lot during a torrential downpour.

The dogs were found by onlookers cowering under the truck in the Nanaimo North Town Centre parking lot the night of Friday, Jan. 18.

Police said the dogs were outside in the cold for roughly an hour while the owner was inside the mall theatre watching a movie. Mounties were called and took the dogs into their cruiser to warm up while trying to contact the owner, who was given a stern warning by officers.

Cst. Gary O’Brien said the two dogs were found barking and crying in the poor conditions and it could have been a dire situation if they were left outside longer or it was only slightly colder.

O’Brien said the owner allegedly tied the dogs up outside because the truck belonged to a friend and they didn’t want it to smell excessively of dog from leaving the two inside while they watched a movie.

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Nanaimo SPCA executive director Leon Davis said he was shocked by the story and concerned about how it could have spiralled out of hand. He said it could have become a public safety issue if the dogs were stolen by someone passing by or became agitated enough to bite someone.

He said the unfortunate situation could have easily been avoided.

“There’s lots of things you can do (like) crate training for when they’re at home for short periods. Engaging help from trainers if you’re going to have to leave your dogs at home and they’re slightly nervous can really help.”

The Nanaimo SPCA can help connect owners with doggy daycares or trainers if owners are concerned about separation anxiety.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit