Truckie Fights Rescue Group for Custody of Dog He Saved from Outback
A man who rescued an American Bulldog from the Australian outback is in a dispute with a rescue organization that took the dog back, claiming he was not fully informed about the animal's medical needs.
A truck driver who rescued an American Bulldog from the Western Australian outback is seeking to regain custody of the dog after a rescue group took him back, citing undisclosed medical concerns. The driver, Dean Trounson, expressed his commitment to fighting for the dog he named Tank.
Tank was being transported to Perth for foster care in June when he escaped from his crate near a remote fuel stop. A search ensued, but the dog could not be found. After photos of Tank were shared on social media, Mr. Trounson spotted and rescued him. He subsequently offered to foster Tank, provided the dog got along with his other rescue dog, Asha.
Mr. Trounson began fostering Tank in late July. He stated that Oldies but Goodies Dog Rescue instructed him to bring Tank to Warwick Veterinary Hospital on September 22 for a follow-up test for Pilbara tick disease. Prior to taking the dog to the vet, Mr. Trounson voiced his suspicion that the rescue might not return Tank to him.
Tank was not returned to Mr. Trounson, with the rescue organization explaining that he was a 'high medical needs dog.' Mr. Trounson questioned why this information was not disclosed earlier and why the rescue had not checked on Tank's welfare for over seven weeks, despite his invitations for them to visit his home unannounced. He also questioned the delay in the veterinary hospital requesting further tests.
Mr. Trounson, who stated he had previously 'loved and spoilt' his own dogs, is now calling for Tank to be examined by an independent veterinarian. He emphasized his determination to continue fighting for the dog.
Oldies but Goodies Dog Rescue founder Natalie Plunkett initially praised Mr. Trounson for rescuing Tank, referring to him as 'amazing' in an email to the veterinary hospital. However, in a later social media statement, Ms. Plunkett stated she would not publicly disclose the reasons for taking Tank back into her care. She asserted that every decision she makes is for the benefit of the dog and that Tank's welfare is their priority as he is a 'high medical needs dog.'
Ms. Plunkett acknowledged the public's potential frustration due to the limited information available, referencing Mr. Trounson's video and post which she claimed did not include the full circumstances surrounding their concerns for Tank's ongoing care and medical needs. She encouraged the public to refrain from commenting further without knowing all the facts. Ms. Plunkett also clarified that Warwick Veterinary Hospital had no involvement in the decision to take Tank back, having simply followed instructions regarding his authorized collection.