The Regional District of Central Okanagan and the owners of the Alaskan malemute Shadow have agreed to a consent order that saw the dog returned to its owners late Friday afternoon, July 27.
To facilitate this, the consent order outlines a number of mutually acceptable conditions, including a program of rehabilitation and reintegration training for the two year old dog to help her in transitioning to her owners’ home.
“The agreement marks a positive step for both parties in resolving what has been a very difficult case. It’s been an extremely emotional experience for everyone involved: the victim, the dog owners, regional district dog control staff and other professionals in the community,” said RDCO board chairman Robert Hobson.
Shadow’s owners, Lake County couple Jennifer and Peter Madsen, said in a statement: “We are grateful for the cooperation of the regional district in working to resolve this matter and getting Shadow back with us. We’re very happy that she is home and will begin professional training to help with her adjustment.”
Last week, more than 100 supporters of the Madsens gathered at the RDCO headquarters in Kelowna and walked into a regional district board meeting to show their support for the dog to be released back to the custody of her owners.
The malemute had been impounded for the past 15 months after a complaint was filed against the dog, a matter that is now before the courts.
