Kelowna International Airport's Expansion: What You Need to Know

Kelowna Community Unites to Search for Missing Dog Justice After Distressing Incident

Update A Community in Search of Justice: The Missing Yorkie The city of Kelowna is rallying around a small but significant mission: to find a beloved Yorkie named Justice, who went missing following a harrowing incident nearly two weeks ago. Justice, a one-year-old pup weighing about five pounds, disappeared from his walk after being forcefully grabbed by a stranger. This devastating event has not just alarmed Justice's owners, Chelsea and her co-owner, but has also sparked an outpouring of community concern and support. A Frightening Encounter On November 6, Justice was out for a morning stroll with a friend of his owner near Water Street and Lake Avenue when the unexpected occurred. According to reports, a stranger, described as a naked man, approached the pair and seemingly went into a frenzy upon noticing the playful Yorkie. Witnesses recounted how the stranger aggressively grabbed hold of Justice, creating a scene that turned chaotic. Thankfully, the dog walker intervened, managing to distract the attacker and allowing Justice to escape. However, the ordeal frightened the little dog, sending him running in a panic, leading to his current status as missing. An Ongoing Search Effort After his disappearance, the Kelowna RCMP launched a public appeal, enlisting the community's assistance in the search for Justice. Since then, the search area has expanded significantly, with efforts concentrated on the Lower Mission area—specifically around the beaches and various residential roads where Justice might have found refuge. Community members have been urged to check their yards, under sheds, and other spots where a frightened dog may hide. To up the ante in the search efforts, the team has deployed a scent-tracking unit and set up cameras in strategic locations. Despite these initiatives, there have been no confirmed sightings of Justice. Posters distributed throughout the area have also faced vandalism, making the task of finding him even more difficult. The Community's Response The case of Justice has captured the hearts of many locals, prompting a surge of solidarity. As families walk their dogs in the area or engage with their neighbors, there is a shared sentiment yearning for Justice's safe return. This incident has sparked conversations not just on pet safety and community responsibility but also on the human impact of events like these. Many note that pets are family, and losing one feels like experiencing an unsettling void. Chelsea Boan-Lewis, Justice's owner, expressed her deep emotions regarding the situation. “I can imagine my baby, who is usually warm and playful, feeling so scared and alone,” she remarked. The heartfelt plea from Justice's family has encouraged citizens to be vigilant, share information on social media, and help spread the word about Justice’s plight. The Importance of Awareness and Safety This troubling event raises larger questions about public safety and animal welfare. It underscores the need for heightened awareness when taking pets out for walks, especially in urban areas where unexpected encounters can occur. Community members are encouraged to remain alert and to think about the various situations that accompany pet ownership. In addition to being vigilant, residents are reminded of the importance of reporting suspicious activities to local authorities. Chelsea emphasizes, “It’s important to be aware of our surroundings and ensure our little fur babies are safe. We appreciate the support, and I urge everyone to continue looking out for Justice.” Every Little Bit Helps If you happen to see a Yorkie similar to Justice, your actions could make a difference. Residents are urged to keep a lookout and directly report any sightings to the Kelowna RCMP or to Chelsea. Photos are encouraged since differentiating between similar breeds can be challenging. This call to action is not just about finding Justice but also fostering a stronger, safer community where every member—the two-legged and four-legged alike—can thrive in harmony. Conclusion: Join the Search for Justice The journey to find Justice is ongoing. The community’s engagement and commitment to reuniting this small dog with his family speaks to the heart of what it means to be a part of Kelowna. If you have any information regarding Justice's whereabouts, please reach out to the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300 referencing file number 2025-67032, or contact Chelsea at 306-540-4241. Your vigilance might bring this beloved pup back home.