Police search for man after video shows dog being abandoned in Georgina park

York Regional Police are looking for a man after a dog was found abandoned in a park in the Town of Georgina on Sunday. 

Officers were called to a dog park around 8:15 a.m. near Lake Drive S. and Robert Street for an animal complaint, police said in a news release on Tuesday. 

When they arrived, they found what appeared to be a Cane Corso tied to a pole. The dog did not appear to be in distress or to have any visible injuries, the release said.

Const. Kevin Nebrija, spokesperson for York Regional Police, said on Tuesday that police have released a video that shows a black pick-up truck arrive at the park. 

"The driver gets out, walks the dog some distance away from the truck, and proceeds to tie it to a pole. The end of the video is very clear, showing the owner, walking back to the truck, and basically driving away, leaving the dog stranded," he said.

"This dog had no sort of coat or boots or anything on it, and so for however long it was there, it was very cold and uncomfortable."

Nebrija said a bystander called police and the female dog was taken into the Georgina Animal Shelter and Adoption Centre, where staff have named it Winter. According to the release, the dog is not yet ready for adoption.

"It's very shy still but very sweet. They are giving it the necessary care and attention that it needs and deserves," he said.

Nebrija said it is "unsettling" and "disheartening" to see someone abandon a dog in the cold. The owner could face animal cruelty charges, he said.

Dog estimated to be 1 to 2 years old

Jennifer Yapa, spokesperson for the Georgina Animal Shelter and Adoption Centre, said the dog is estimated to be one to two years old and appears to be in relatively good health. The dog has been dewormed and vaccinated and undergone an intake exam, she added. Staff are monitoring her food intake and weight currently.

"She didn't come in with any major concerns. She's just shy, obviously and somewhat traumatized from what she's been through," Yapa said.

"We dealt with many cases where animals have been left tied up, soccer field here last summer we had a couple, cats left in carriers at gas stations, you know, and we're far from the only shelter that sees this."

Winter is being held on a "stray hold" for five business days in case there is an owner who is looking for her despite evidence that she has been abandoned. If she is not claimed, the centre will then attempt to find her a new home.

The truck was last seen travelling southbound on Lake Drive S., the release said. 

Police have released an image of the suspect vehicle, which is a black pick-up truck with a quad cab and dark rims. It has a black roof rack that extends to the rear of the truck. 

Anyone who witnessed what happened or who has information is asked to contact police or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers.