Friday, July 23, 2010

Shiba Inu Mistaken for Coyote Released in the Wild

Ok, Shibas are always thought to be a fox,a husky, maybe even a wolf. But, this goes beyond ridiculous and I sincerely hope that Copper is found safe and soon, and returned. I realize the Shiba Inu is not a common breed, but I think this goes beyond a mere mistake.

[b]Please make sure your Shiba is not only microchipped, but is wearing a collar or harness whenever outside.[/b] - Bonnie & Sushi

Dog Mistaken for Coyote Gets Released in Wild
Maria Goodavage
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Imagine if your dog got loose and was taken in by the local humane society, only to be handed over to law enforcement authorities because your dog was mistaken for a coyote. (OK, I know most dogs would not be mistaken for coyotes, but bear with me.) Then imagine if animal “experts” told authorities that coyotes are nuisance animals, and that they had two choices: Euthanize the animal, or return it to the wild.

This was the scenario in Frankfort, Kentucky, when Lori Goodlett’s Shiba Inu, Copper, ended up in the hands of police after being rejected by the Franklin County Humane Society because someone there thought she was a coyote. The police, not wanting to have to kill Copper, took her to an open field and released her, according to a story on WKYT.

Goodlett doesn’t hold the police accountable. At least they didn’t kill her dog. In fact, when officers later saw Copper’s photo on flyers Goodlett had posted and realized what had happened, they began helping her try to find her dog.

Copper is still missing. Goodlett would very much like to have her back, and spends a lot of time fielding phone calls from people who think they have spotted her. But so far, no leads have panned out.

This is so sad. I think of how Jake would fend if released into the wilds of Kentucky. Unless he ran into Col. Sanders wielding a bucket of fried chicken thighs, he’d probably be a goner. I hope Copper found her way to a kind home and will soon be returned to Goodlett for a very happy reunion. In the meantime, someone needs to get the Humane Society a very good book on dog breeds. And perhaps am equally good lawyer, too.


[url=http://dogblog.dogster.com/2010/07/23/dog-mistaken-for-coyote-gets-released-in-wild/]Dog Mistaken for Coyote[/url]

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Cooper was spotted around exit 110 on I75 (Lexington area) on Monday morning (7/26) and it was called in to 911 as non emergency.

I hope he gets to go home. :)

Unknown said...

Cooper was spotted on I75 near exit 110 (Lexington area) early Monday morning (7/26).

I hope he gets to go home soon. :)

K9Trainer said...

I'm afraid that when we get our Shikoku it will be mistaken for a coyote. I've seen some pretty mis-marked Shibas that could be mistaken for a coyote. When they have big bat ears and their red sesame fur is more sesame than red, and if they were too tall, it wouldn't be hard to imagine someone making the mistake. Especially since hardly anyone is familiar with the breed. I had Department of Fish & Wildlife called on me once because someone thought I was keeping a fox for a pet.

Tatiana & Bailey said...

Any news on Copper? :( Poor dog and owners!
K9Trainer - make sure your dog wear a bright collar or harness at all times to avoid any problems! We are moving to the country soon, and even though Sushi will have a fenced yard, I'm making sure he wears something visible to others just in case!