Canine carcasses found in restaurant
Global News
Wednesday, November 05, 2003

Local health officials and animal experts are investigating a shocking discovery in an Edmonton restaurant.

Early Tuesday, an inspection led to a find of four canine carcasses in the freezer of the Panda Garden Restaurant.

A handful of customers expecting a busy restaurant at lunchtime on Wednesday, found the restaurant closed.

One customer suspected the carcasses might be dogs because in Chinese culture, dogs are a delicacy.

But Alberta Conservation officials aren't sure what animal the carcasses might be.

They're ordering tests to be performed to determine whether the animals are domestic or wild -- such as a coyote.

The test may take time. The animals have to thaw first, and the lab will have to perform tests that they normally don't do.

If the results point to the animals being domestic, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) will become involved.

Capital Health is heading up the investigation. Officials are not interested in whether the carcasses are dogs or coyotes. Nothing in the Public Health Act says a restaurant cannot serve either one.

Officials say at issue is whether the restaurant is serving uninspected meat.

If the restaurant owners are charged and convicted under the act, they'll face fines up to $2,000 for each count.

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