Thurs 23rd May: Changes need to be made

A very skinny and shaved Cooper

I first saw one year-old German shepherd Cooper at the AFCD kennels some time ago and was immediately drawn to him because of his large size, looks and friendliness.  I was told his owner would be coming to pick him up, which was good news of course, but as time passed nobody came.  The dog had bad diarrhoea which I assumed was EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency), common in German shepherds (as well as many other genetic health problems), so I mentioned he needed a special diet as well as digestive supplements.

More time passed and Cooper was still there, so I started pressing for answers as to why, and why - since the owner had long stopped any contact - I couldn't take Cooper out for veterinary treatment.  It was all down to paperwork and procedures, and I was becoming increasingly angry that a sick dog should be held like that when it was very clear that the owner had no intention of coming back to claim him.  I was on the verge of making a formal complaint when Cooper was finally released today, but it's cases like these that need addressing as part of the proposed amendments to the Animal Welfare laws.  Too many dogs get caught in the "procedure trap" resulting in long stays at AFCD, and it shouldn't be like this.  In my opinion, if a licensed dog ends up at AFCD and the owner is contacted but fails to collect the dog, then it should be asumed to have been abandoned and allowed to be re-homed.

I should mention that I have no complaints about the AFCD staff I deal with on a regular basis as they are as helpful as they can be given the rules they are forced to abide by, and they do genuinely care about the dogs.   The problem lies higher up the lines of authority and the inflexibility of certain people.  The irony is that in being so afraid to step out of line and make a common sense and humane decision they draw even more criticism, and almost every day on Facebook I see stories and complaints about how cases are handled.

As it happened, just as I was about to leave the Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre to go home after having dropped Cooper off there so he could go to Acorn in the morning, I was asked if I could do a live video interview with RTHK giving my opinion on the Animal Welfare proposals.  The Cooper story (and other similar cases) were obviously on my mind but you can give your own feedback  here: https://www.pets.gov.hk/english/animal_health_and_welfare/Proposals_to_Enhance_Animal_Welfare.html

Purely by chance I had learned the whole story about Cooper, not from AFCD obviously as they would never reveal any information, but I would hope that when and if the new Animal Welfare proposals become Law,  dogs owners like Cooper's ex would be prosecuted for failing to ever walk or socialise their dog, or treat his health condition, not to mention abandoning him at AFCD and cutting off all contact resulting in his long stay there. 

Cooper's long coat was shaved while he was at AFCD

Cooper's back legs are typical of a German shepherd, weak and wobbly, but hopefully with some exercise to strengthen the muscles he'll improve.  He's a beautiful young dog and incredibly friendly, so if you are interested in giving him a home where he can experience a real and happy life, please complete the Adoption Questionnaire on our website www.hongkongdogrescue.com (under Adopt) as a first step.

Saturday is almost here and that means it's almost time for Funday at the Pulse. Entry is free so drop by any time to enjoy the company.