RAPS caring for dog cruelly abandoned in suitcase

Late last night (May 28), Richmond RCMP contacted the Richmond Animal Protection Society (RAPS) to notify us that a dog was discovered locked in a suitcase that had been discarded in a wooded ditch area, and that they were on their way to deliver the dog to us and transfer him into our care. (RAPS operates the City of Richmond Animal Shelter under contract with the municipality.)

The suitcase was double locked.

After receiving the dog, we were able to discover the following:

• The finder contacted the RCMP about their discovery late afternoon.
• The finder pried open the suitcase (hard shell) and found a dog inside, “Donut” had been in its urine and feces, but otherwise seemed in good health. The finder brought him home and provided food and water.
• The dog was found near Alderbridge and No 4 Road, where a new development is going on near Walmart (and across from the armoury) in the Nature Park area. The finder heard sounds coming from a ditch.
• The RCMP collected Donut and the suitcase from the finder’s home, then delivered Donut to the RAPS Richmond Animal Shelter around 7PM.
• Staff members examined Donut. He was discovered to be an unaltered male Apricot Poodle, recently groomed, in good condition, friendly, about six years old. We believe he had been in the suitcase, on the hottest day of the year so far, from 3-6 hours.
• The suitcase is being held by RCMP as evidence in the hopes that it can help apprehend whoever is responsible.
• RAPS has notified the animal cruelty division of the BC SPCA.
• There is no reason why this type of cruelty need happen. Anyone can surrender their animal for any reason at the Richmond Animal Shelter. RAPS will gladly take the animal, provide it care and rehome the animal.
• In addition to Donut, today a beautiful 7 week old white kitten with blue eyes was found abandoned in a Richmond Park inside a Pampers Diaper box.
• Today Donut is doing well. He is very active, happy and friendly. He ate well and drank. He has been examined by our in-house vet, Dr. Guy Arad, and found to be in good health despite the traumatizing incident.
• Donut will be held by RAPS while the animal cruelty investigation is ongoing and we are able to adopt him out.

Please support RAPS at rapsbc.com/donate-online.