Relative rehomes dog while owner on holiday

[Catherine]

Orillia is just north of Toronto. A Facebook post is being circulated by people I know. It is also in the local news. 
The owner is now talking to the police. 

I don't know how the law deals with a case like this. If the dog had been at a boarding facility the owner would have a contract with the facility. They would be charged with something if they didn't return the dog. She left the dog with a relative. That is not as clear.

You are right about the microchip. If the dog was microchipped with her information, it would come back as soon as the dog saw a vet.
People think they have seen the dog and are sending pictures to the owner. I would think by now the people who have the dog must know there is a problem.
Orillia is not a large place. Surely they would want to return the dog. It is a children's pet.

I will keep checking the Facebook posts and I will let you know when I hear something.