Poodle snatched from yard reunited with owners
But accused claims she was protecting dog
By
Jenny Yuen, Toronto Sun
First posted: Wednesday, January 21, 2015 03:28 PM EST | Updated: Wednesday, January 21, 2015 06:53 PM EST
TORONTO - Totem is back home.
The nine-year-old standard poodle allegedly taken from the backyard of his Mississauga home Friday, in the Darcel Ave. and Rexwood Rd. area, was reunited with his owners Tuesday night, Peel Regional Police said after a four-day social media blitz.
“We received information and a search warrant was executed on a residence down in Malton and the dog was recovered,” Sgt. Matt Small said Wednesday. “The dog was recovered and reunited with owners.”
A Facebook group launched since Totem’s disappearance – White Standard Poodle – garnered over 100 likes. A status posted Tuesday thanked police.
“A special thank you to the officer in charge. You were amazing. Totem was very hungry and is sleeping soundly. Not sure what’s all over him almost looks like pet paint ... who knows?” said the post.
Rachel Balzereit, 30, of Malton, was charged with theft under $5,000 and possession of stolen property. She is scheduled to appear in court Feb. 26.
However, Balzereit said she believed the owner of the white pooch was neglectful of the animal.
Balzereit told the Toronto Sun she saw the dog outside her neighbour’s townhouse at 12:30 p.m. for around an hour and noticed “sizable sores” on the dog’s backside.
“There was a frostbite warning and it was at least -17C outside and I saw him jumping up and hitting the door repeatedly,” she said Wednesday. “All the lights were off. The dog was completely alone in the elements. That dog had been sheared down to the skin. Humans aren’t even supposed to be out in that in winter clothes.”
A dog owner herself, Balzereit kept the dog at her house for the four days, visiting her vet’s office, who she said advised her that if Totem was treated there, they would have to alert police of her actions. She said that is also why she didn’t contact the OSPCA, animal services or police. She and her husband treated the dog’s wounds at their home.
“I was concerned the dog was in a neglectful situation and I didn’t want it to be returned to that situation,” she said, adding she attempted to contact the owners. “I was considering (keeping the dog) and I was eventually going to get the dog neutered.
“It was a rescue move – it’s considered theft because the dog was tied up.”
Const. Thomas Ruttan said police have investigated Balzereit’s claims but he could not elaborate because the matter is before the courts.
The dog’s owner could not be reached for comment about the allegations.
jenny.yuen@sunmedia.ca
