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A Calgary man faces multiple charges and has had two dogs removed from his care after allegations he abused one during a walk in a central Calgary neighbourhood last week.
Police say they received reports of a man actively abusing a dog last Tuesday evening. The man and the dog were walking through Inglewood when a witness confronted the suspect about his behaviour; police say they believe the man threatened the witness during the exchange.
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Inglewood business Straight Shooters Indoor Range posted photos to Facebook of the alleged abuse, stating the dog’s mouth was tied up and that they saw the man “kick the dog down and hold his boot on the dog’s head to keep the dog on the ground.”
Officers responded to the area but were unable to immediately find the man.
Two days later, a tip from the public helped police locate him.
Police, working alongside Calgary Humane Society investigators, learned the dog belonged to the Alberta Rescue Foundation and was being fostered by the suspect at the time of the incident. The foundation removed the dog from the suspect’s care.
A forensic veterinarian found the dog had injuries consistent with abuse.
Lawrence Chow, 40, has been charged with causing unnecessary suffering to animals, injuring or endangering animals, uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm and assault with a weapon.
The Alberta Rescue Foundation identified the dog as Amber, who had recently been placed in a new foster care home, and quickly took the dog back into its care.
“Amber’s wellbeing is our top priority,” it said in a social media post Friday. “She has been evaluated by our team and we will continue to monitor her closely.”
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At the time of his arrest, a second dog was taken from Chow and is now being cared for by the Calgary Humane Society. Chow is no longer permitted to have animals in his care.
Chow is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 31. Police say he may face further charges.
Police ask anybody with information on the incident to contact the non-emergency line at 403-266-1234. Tipsters can also contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.
mrodriguez@postmedia.com
Twitter: @MichaelRdrguez
