Is mystery sheepdog evidence of a missing person?

Lincoln County Humane Society staff can only speculate about how long a formerly shaggy sheepdog found by Niagara Parks Police last week has been on the loose.

Parks police called in Niagara-on-the-Lake firefighters and Niagara Helicopters to search Niagara River and the escarpment for the dog's owner to no avail, after officers reported seeing the canine behaving in what appeared to be a panicked state at the edge of the river last Thursday afternoon.

Humane society executive director Kevin Strooband said SPCA officers picked up the male brown and white sheepdog Friday after being caught by an area resident.

No one has come forward to claim the animal, believed to be a year old, or provide information.

Although Strooband said there's no way to tell how long the dog has been on the loose, he said there were some concerns about its condition.

It's just lack of care, lack of grooming and flea treatment. He has some contusions around his body. He's had a bit of a rough time," he said.

He said the dog doesn't look really underweight."

We shaved him down and he looks way better," Strooband said.

Strooband said a blue harness the dog was wearing had no tags or owner information.

Parks police said they are continuing efforts to find the owner after a thorough search" of the escarpment and river.

Officers continue to check parkettes along the Niagara River for any outstanding vehicles or people relating to the dog."

Strooband said the dog's panicked behaviour when police first spotted the animal is unusual."

He said when dogs have been running at large for a long time the SPCA is usually aware of them, but in this case it had no previous reports about a stray sheepdog.

Although police initially reported that the dog became aggressive when officer approached him, Strooband said the animal's mood appeared to change significantly after he was groomed and in the humane society's care.

Anyone who may recognize this dog or have any information about this investigation is asked by the humane society to call 905-682-0767, while any one with information about the Niagara Parks Police investigation is asked by police to call 905-356-1338 ext. 0; or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Allan Benner is a St. Catharines-based reporter with the Standard. Reach him via email: allan.benner@niagaradailies.com