Someone tied a dog to a bench outside the Calgary Humane Society and fled in a truck

The Calgary Humane Society is investigating after someone tied a dog to a bench outside its headquarters early Friday and then drove away, leaving the animal unsheltered in the cold for hours.

The person appeared to be driving a newer model black pickup truck and left the dog around 4:30 a.m., the humane society said in a news release.

It is seeking information from anyone who may recognize this dog or know who dropped it off in such a manner.

Animal cruelty investigations manager Brad Nichols saidit's not the fact that the dog was dropped off at the humane society that's the issue, it's the way that it was done.

"[Under] the Animal Protection Act, it's an offence to abandon an animal without food, water and shelter. None of those were in place, obviously," Nichols said in an interview.

"Had they waited until operational hours, we wouldn't be talking right now."

Alternatively, Nichols said the dog could have been taken to a 24-hour veterinary clinic. He said there is "never an excuse to abandon an animal," noting temperatures were below freezing when the dog was tethered.

Nichols wanted to remind the public that the Calgary Humane Society is still operating during the pandemic. If pet owners are unable to care for their animals, they can reach out to the organization for support.

The Calgary Humane Society said in the release that it "continues to prioritize intakes and will admit those of an emergency nature, including emergency boarding for unforeseen crises (including COVID-19 hospitalizations), pet safekeeping for victims fleeing domestic violence, and surrenders where a risk is posed to the animal."

Anyone with information about the dog that was abandoned overnight or its owner can contact Calgary Humane Society at 403-205-4455.

"First off, we just want to speak with the individual to ascertain what occurred there," Nichols said.

"But, you know, if charges are laid and there is a conviction, there's a potential for an outcome of prohibition for life of owning an animal and up to a $20,000 fine."