CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — The local police department has issued a statement regarding the allegations of a malnourished K-9.
The statement is in response to a national animal rights group who claimed the dog was “emaciated.”
The story was originally covered by the Guardian this week, who reported that the animal rights group was concerned for the well-being of a Chillicothe K-9 dog named Rin, after photos were released by city council members that showed the dog to appear to be in poor health.
In the original story, the activist group accused the police department of not getting the dog proper veterinarian medical attention after the photos purported to show the dog’s ribs. The Guardian reached out to the police chief and mayor for comment, but did not hear back. The Guardian also requested public records regarding the dog’s medical history.
On Thursday, the police department issued a statement on social media, along with a purported recent medical evaluation of the K-9.
“Due to the complaint, K-9 was examined on Monday May 9 around 2:45 p.m.,” the statement reads. “At this wellness exam he was diagnosed as apparently healthy, weighed 77 pounds and had good energy …. this information was reviewed and it was found that K-9 Rin weighed 72.8 pounds at his first vet visit on 3/20/19 and he weighed 77 pounds at the vet visit this Monday.“
The animal rights group who raised concerns issued a statement on Thursday.
“We are happy to hear that Rin is in good health. That was our number one concern and if the reports are accurate from the veterinarian, we are happy to say the dog is in good health. Perhaps the police department will be more communicative in the future when such concerns are relayed instead of having to have media intervention.”
