Salem police are turning to the public for help as they search for the owner of an older German Shepherd who was found abandoned and tied to a pole last month.
The dog, which was found on Jan. 24 near the intersection of Highland Avenue and Swampscott Road, was abandoned around 2 a.m. by a suspect who left the area in a minivan.
The 6 or 7-year-old pup was trapped in the freezing cold for hours and is now recovering at the Northeast Animal Shelter.
“This whole area up here is loaded with coyotes,” Salem Animal Control Officer Don Famico said. “This could have gone sour real quick.”
The staff at the shelter have named her Alice because she was found without a collar and has not been microchipped.
They say she was well-fed but that she had an ear infection and clearly had not been socialized.
“She’s definitely a little snappy, she’s fearful, obviously she’s in a totally new environment, which is not helping,” said Bob Citrullo, the executive director of the Northeast Animal Shelter.
The driver of the minivan is likely to face a felony charge if found.
“Obviously it’s illegal, but if you really truly are trying to help an animal, don’t tie it to a building,” Citrullo said.
Anyone with information is asked to call Salem Animal Control Officer Famico at 978-744-0171 ext. 50121.
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