RENSSELAER, NY - The SPCA said two people have come forward claiming to be the owner of the Great Dane found tied to a tree in Schenectady on Friday evening.
The SPCA said the
dog was found near a bike path, just feet from the Mohawk River, behind Schenectady Community College.
On Sunday evening the SPCA interviewed one of the two people claiming to be the owner, Wilson Diaz.
Diaz told NEWS10 he was walking his dog behind the school when it ran away. Diaz said after searching for hours, he went to class and fully intended to resume his search. He only discovered it had been tied to a tree from watching the news. Diaz has also sent NEWS10 photos of himself with the Great Dane he calls "Eyore".
Both people claiming to be the owner will be interviewed. Officials will be looking for photos and vet bills, which they believe will help prove ownership. The SPCA says the breed of dog is worth up to $2,000.
The SPCA is also investigating why the dog was left tied to a tree for hours. The owner could face animal cruelty charges and possibly neglect.
Diaz denies those charges and says that Eyore belongs with him and his family. He says it is not true that his dog was malnourished and dehydrated. He says the dog has been well taken care of.
The Great Dane is now staying with one of the SCPA officer's who found him and named the dog "Duke".
The SPCA says they will be reviewing surveillance video and canvassing the area as they continue to investigate. They still have to interview another potential owner.
The SPCA is asking anyone with information to contact them.
Photo taken by Amy Cutler on Friday when the dog was found.
Photo taken by Amy Cutler on Friday when the dog was found.
Photo of Diaz and his family with the Great Dane he claims to own
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