On 7th February, an abandoned backpack was found near a football club in Calgary, Canada. Inside, a 7-year-old Pomeranian named Coco had been left all alone in a condition that immediately concerned rescuers.
He was rushed to the Calgary Humane Society, where he was found to be in a worrying state of health.
A dog discovered in a very worrying condition
According to the shelter staff, Coco was suffering from severe dehydration and was extremely emaciated when he was taken in. He had to remain under veterinary supervision for over a week to be stabilised.
The teams also began treating him for dental disease, which required attention. For now, the little dog's condition is gradually improving, but he is not yet ready for adoption. The vets want to ensure he makes a full recovery first.
The exact circumstances of his abandonment remain unclear. There was no CCTV coverage in the area where the backpack was found, making the investigation more difficult.
An ongoing investigation
The shelter has launched a public appeal for any information that could help identify the person responsible for this act of abandonment. Several tips have already been passed on to investigators, but no charges have been filed at this stage.
In Canada, this type of situation is punishable by law. Under the Animal Protection Act, abandoning an animal or leaving it in distress is an offence. Those found guilty can face fines of up to $20,000, as well as a ban on owning animals.
Coco's story was shared on social media by the rescue centre and quickly sparked a wave of reactions. Thousands of people expressed their anger at his abandonment and offered their support for the little dog.
