PENDLETON, S.C. (FOX Carolina) – The owner of a dog who was taken to a foster home by the Town of Pendleton Animal Control and escaped is now offering a reward.
Officials said on Friday, May 5, an officer received a call from someone who said they picked up an chihuahua on the loose. The Animal Control Officer made contact with the caller and accepted the dog into their possession.
Officials said the dog’s age is unknown but appeared to be malnourished. The dog’s owner, Nancy Lee, said the dog’s name is Minnie. She is elderly and emaciated-looking due to her age. She also has kidney failure.
© Provided by FOX Carolina News Reward offered to anyone who has information that leads to finding Minnie.
According to the town of Pendleton’s statement, PAWS of Anderson was not accepting dogs so the chihuahua was taken to a private citizen to foster the dog until it could be taken to PAWS or the owner located.
However, PAWS of Anderson director and veterinarian Dr. Kim Sanders said they would have accepted the dog.
“PAWS has always accepted injured, sick and aggressive animals. When we reached maximum capacity in January 2023 I emailed Sheriff McBride and asked for Animal Control Officers to discontinue picking up friendly stray animals and have the finders contact us at PAWS so that we could assist them in every way possible while keeping the animal out of the shelter,” Sanders said in an email to FOX Carolina. “Pendleton City and the other municipalities, bring in a much smaller number of animals and they were not asked to discontinue bringing in stray animals. Given the condition and size of the dog PAWS would have accepted her regardless of our capacity.”
Sanders went on to say she is not aware of any rescue in Pendleton City that would be taking stray animals from city employees because they have always been brought to PAWS.
“It is truly heartbreaking for Minnie’s mom to not have closure at this time,” Sanders said. “I would ask that the rescue group and everyone involved in this situation share all information related to Minnie in hope for a positive outcome.”
According to animal control, the dog escaped from the foster and is now missing. Staff searched for the dog all day Monday, May 8, but saw no sign of the dog.
“We are incredibly sorry for the unforeseeable outcome of this situation and hope the dog is found,” said animal control.
Minnie’s owner is offering a $1,000 reward for anyone who has information that leads to finding her.
Town officials started an investigation into this incident.
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