RCMP locate stolen dog in Edmonton
A dog that was stolen near Lake Edith earlier this month was reunited with his owner in Edmonton Aug. 15.
Despite the dog being stolen, the RCMP will not be pursuing charges at this time, said RCMP Cst. Robert Benison, in an email last week.
“I can say that the actions of removing the dog, although well intended, did constitute theft under the Criminal Code,” he wrote.
Jean-Francois Fortier, the owner of the dog, said he was relieved to get his 18-month-old dog, Jake, back.
“Even though she stole Jake, she did take good care of him,” said Fortier in an email.
“What I have learned in all this is that I will not leave Jake alone again. I would rather stay with Jake than leave him and go for a ride. I made a mistake and I won't repeat it,” wrote Fortier.
Earlier this month, Fortier tied Jake to a tree in a parking lot on Lake Edith Road before going for a five-hour bike ride with his girlfriend.
He left Jake in the shade with water because he had blisters on his front paws and left a note that said: “My name is Jake, pet me.”
Upon his return, the dog was gone and a new note was posted on the tree stating the dog had been left for too long and would be taken to the park wardens. The note included the wardens' phone number, but did not include the person's contact information.
Fortier called the wardens, bylaw and the RCMP, but the dog was nowhere to be found.
The saga of the stolen dog continued over the past two weeks with erroneous reports suggesting the dog was at the Edmonton Humane Society. Benison confirmed the dog was not in the custody of the Edmonton Humane Society or any other agency.
“I would recommend that if someone were to face similar circumstances where they feel an animal has been abused or neglected that the appropriate agencies be notified immediately so they can deal with those types of investigations,” wrote Benison.
He also said Jasper has access to kennels where animals can be held until an owner claims them or a proper investigation is completed.
Bear warning for Bald Hills and Opal Hills
Parks Canada issued a bear warning for the Bald Hills and Opal Hills areas of the Maligne Valley, Aug. 18.
The warning was issued after increased grizzly bear activity was reported along trails in these areas.
Parks is recommending people travel in groups of four or more, watch for bears, make noise to alert bears of your presence, carry bear spray and report all bear sightings immediately to dispatch at 780-852-6155.
