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Dunaj licks the face of his owner Rob Szalas in the parking lot of the Humane Society this morning. Photos by Jeff Turl.
Rob Szalas unwraps tinfoil revealing a chicken breast breakfast he has made for his dog Dunaj (pronounced DO-nigh).
He is in the parking lot of the Humane Society on Main St. visiting a beloved pet that is facing a death sentence.
He’s understandably emotional.
“I was told to bring him in because three people made phone calls. Nobody ever went to the hospital, no-one reported to police. The three that made the calls are nowhere to be found. They don’t have one witness anywhere.”
“They are trying to put the dog down based on a technicality, which means I filed my papers wrong, I did this wrong, didn’t file papers on time---the only way they’ll win this is on a technicality.
Downtown Improvement Area Executive Director Jeff Serran confirms his office hasn't received a single complaint about the dog.
A teleconference pre-hearing is being held in North Bay this afternoon at 2 p.m.
A date for a full hearing will be set at this time.
Szalas says a committee of 6-8 people come in from Toronto to hear Dunaj’s appeal.
Dunaj is already under a destruction order. If the appeal is unsuccessful, Szalas will be responsible for having his dog put down.
BayToday made efforts to get the Health Unit side of the story this morning, but Robert A-Muhong, the Environmental Health Programs Manager says he is unable to comment on anything---even the process to be followed after a dog complaint.
“The process is part of the dispute,” he said.
The Health Unit has promised a statement, but as of 1 p.m. today, none was forthcoming.
Meanwhile, Szalas has given up hope that Dunaj will be home for the holidays. He has plans to decorate the small cage that is now the dog’s home, with Christmas lights and a small tree.
“There’s a lot of dogs here and I love them all. I wish I could bring them all home, and they all are looking for homes.
“Yet there is one here that has a beautiful home but can’t go home for Christmas.
Szalas’ voice trails off and his eyes start to tear up.
“I feel terrible. I’m here every day walking him. He’s used to running free, and leaning and kissing and hugging everybody.
“But the (Humane Society staff) have been really, really good making sure, and taking care of him.”
Szalas remains optimistic about the appeal.
“I think when that day comes, Dunaj will be free and he’ll be home.
Here are links supplied by the Health Unit concerning th issue;
Ontario Public Health Standard Rabies Prevention and Control
· Ontario Public Health Standard Health Hazard Prevention and Management
· OPHS Protocol for Rabies Prevention and Control
· OPHS Protocol for Identification, Investigation and Management of Health Hazards
