Box of puppies abandoned in Niagara

A box filled with four puppies who appear extremely thin was recently found in a Glendale park in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Earlier this week, the Humane Society of Greater Niagara took to social media to ask if anyone has any information about the people or person who might have left a box of four 10-to-12-week-old puppies in the Niagara-on-the-Green park.

The box was brought to the HSGN after it was discovered. 

“The puppies are now safe in our care and undergoing thorough health checks by our veterinary team to ensure their well-being. While they appear to be stable, they will continue to receive close monitoring and care at the shelter,” the organization wrote on Facebook.

Brianna Howard, a senior animal care technician with the humane society, tells INsauga.com that all four puppies are being monitored, and one is still in more critical condition. 

“He’s getting IV fluids and needs to be monitored 24/7. The other three are doing better, but are being monitored closely.”

Howard says that, fortunately, all four animals tested negative for parvovirus, a common illness that can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea in young dogs, leading to severe dehydration and, in some cases, death. 

“We’re hopeful that the symptoms [the dogs are experiencing] are caused by severe dehydration and malnourishment. We’re hopeful that they’ll bounce back. They’re already gaining significant weight since we’ve had them,” she says. 

The mixed-breed puppies arrived at the shelter on Nov. 19, but Howard says they haven’t been able to determine how long the dogs were neglected before they were found.

“We don’t know the history or if they had a mom and she wasn’t feeding them or if they were taken from mom. It’s hard to know if this was intentional or not intentional.”

Howard says the humane society and provincial animal welfare services are currently investigating the incident. 

Despite one puppy struggling more to recover, Howard says she and her team are hopeful that he’ll turn a corner soon,

“It’s on the fence, but we’re all very helpful, especially since he’s parvo negative. We have a good team of vets and staff monitoring him.” 

While the HSGN is not yet sure who the dogs belong (or belonged) to, she says that in the event no owner is found (or if one is found but legal matters must be attended to), the puppies will stay with them until they’re well enough to be adopted.

In a social media post, HSNG staff said they’re hoping someone can help determine how the dogs ended up abandoned in the park. 

“If you recognize these puppies, have camera footage from the area, or have details about their abandonment, please contact the shelter at 905-682-0767 or email [email protected].”

Howard says that while the investigation is in its infancy, people have come forward with information. She also says the message the organization most wants to impart is that they are there for pet owners in need and there’s never any reason to neglect or abandon an animal.

“We’re here to help. We do have surrender fees paid when an animal is bought in, but if people are desperate, we’ll always work out a plan or discuss options. We’re here no matter the outcome or situation; we’re always willing to help.” 

She also says that it’s harder to determine an animal’s care plan when it is abandoned.

“When animals are left, it’s more challenging to determine what’s wrong. A lot of testing is needed to rule out what might be wrong. We don’t know if they’re vaccinated or if they were living in a house, etc. It’s helpful for staff to better gauge the situation.”

The Humane Society says those who wish to help the abandoned puppies can donate to the organization.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated from its original version to include more information from the Humane Society of Greater Niagara