Cruel act

Dear editor:
In comparison to letters dealing with the provincial election and school shootings, the topic of my letter probably will seem unimportant. It does, however, deal with a problem that concerns many people.
On May 1 while out for a morning walk in the Windy Point area, I observed a pickup truck stop in a turn-off on Highway 11. The passenger door was opened, a dog was let out, and the truck drove away.
The dog was very frightened and confused. It ran up and down and back and forth across the highway and eventually was injured by a passing vehicle.
I, and another woman, tried to catch the dog but it ran into the bush and we were unable to find it.
On May 14, it appeared at a neighbour’s, where it is still making frequent appearances and spending a good deal of time howling for its owners. It has an injured hind leg with an open wound but no one can get close enough to treat it.
Friends of Animals cannot accept animals from out of town even though this animal undoubtedly was brought to the area by someone from Fort Frances. What is to become of this dog? If he survives the summer, he probably will freeze to death next winter.
If the owner of the dog was unable to keep it for some reason, why was it not turned over to Friends of Animals, who may have been able to find it another home? Euthanasia is more merciful than abandonment. There are people who can help if help is needed.
The dog is short-haired, white with black markings, has a rather pointy face, and perky ears. If anyone knows of a dog of this description that disappeared on May 1, please advise Friends of Animals at 274-2144 as they have been informed of the occurrence.
Perhaps a child believes his or her dog ran away, or your neighbour’s dog is no longer there.
The pickup truck was rusty-red in colour. When the door opened and closed, the windows appeared to have a flourescent green tint.
In closing, I would like to ask those who have unwanted animals please do not drop them off in rural areas. This action is cruel to the animal and inconsiderate of the residents of the area. Most of these animals eventually die because they are not, or cannot be, taken in by the residents.
Thank you, Mr. Editor, for the space to publish this letter.
Signed,
Joyce Zub