U-Haul Staff Frees Great Dane From Battle Creek, MI, Self-Storage Unit

The staff of a U-Haul Self Storage facility in Battle Creek, Mich., recently found a Great Dane in one of the facility’s units, and now they’re working with a local animal shelter to find it a home. The Calhoun County Animal Shelter is accepting applications for the dog, who’s scheduled to be adoptable as of Feb. 14, according to a source.

The dog was discovered on Feb. 4 when staff heard it barking and called authorities. Animal control officer Mike Ehart left a note for the storage customer, explaining the person was in violation of a city ordinance. When Ehart returned the next day to find the animal still in the unit, he obtained a search warrant to remove the lock, a source reported. Although there was furniture inside the unit, the dog was without food or water. He was determined to be 20 pounds underweight, but in good health overall.

Police are attempting to contact the pet’s owner, who they believe was evicted from a residence, the source reported.

“Our storage facilities are intended to accommodate residential customers and their household goods. Persons engaging in illegal and hazardous behavior are evicted and subject to criminal charges,” said Jeff Lockridge, manager of media and public relations for U-Haul. “Keeping animals in a self-storage unit is a violation of the U-Haul rental agreement, in addition to being reckless and inhumane. We are pleased we were able to find the dog alive.”

Established in 1945, Phoenix-based U-Haul International Inc. operates more than 1,500 self-storage facilities across North America. It owns and manages more than 62.5 million square feet of storage space.

Sources:
WWMT, Calhoun County Animal Center Hoping to Find New Home for Great Dane Found in Storage Unit
Kiro7, Great Dane Found Abandoned in Michigan Storage Unit