Sled dog neglect, 16 seized
Williams Lake, BC (CA)Incident Date: Wednesday, Jan 31, 2007
Disposition: Alleged
Abuser names unreleased
A team of BC SPCA animal cruelty officers, led by lead investigator Constable Debbie Goodine, rescued 16 Malamute-Husky cross dogs in February 2007 from a rural property near Williams Lake. The dogs - four adults and 12 puppies -- were in horrific shape, suffering from starvation, dehydration, infected open wounds, massive untreated tumours, anemia, and severe demodex (mange), as well as untreated eye infections. They were also infested with a number of parasites, including sucking lice.
"Despite being rushed to a veterinarian, all four adults dogs and one puppy were determined to be in critical distress and had to be euthanized at the vet's recommendation to relieve their suffering," said Marcie Moriarty, General Manager of Cruelty Investigations for the BC SPCA. The other 12 puppies, ranging in age from five weeks to five months are receiving ongoing care in the custody of the BC SPCA.
"Many of the remaining dogs will require extensive veterinary care and rehabilitation before they can be adopted," said Moriarty. "The dogs have been through so much and they were very fearful of people." The SPCA has been working with the dogs to slowly introduce them to people and to the sights and sounds they will encounter in everyday situations after adoption. "It was heartbreaking to see how terrified they were at the beginning, but they've really come a long way. They are going to make wonderful companions for someone who is familiar with these breeds," said Moriarty. The dogs were transferred to the Vernon and Vancouver Branches of the BC SPCA after their rescue for on-going care and rehabilitation.
One of the dogs, a five-month-old puppy named Ladybug, has made a miraculous recovery in the care of the Vernon SPCA Branch. "When she came to us she was suffering from one of the worst cases of demodex - a serious skin condition -- that the veterinarian had ever seen, even in textbooks," said Risa Leake, manager of the Vernon Branch. "The demodex had been left untreated for so long that she had no hair left on her body, just raw skin. She was in grave condition and it was touch and go as to whether she was going to make it." Less than a month later, after intensive veterinary care, Ladybug has regained her strength and has even grown a soft new coat of fur. Her recovery has astounded, and delighted, her caregivers. "She fought back against all odds to survive," said Leake. "She is our little miracle and we can't wait to find her a loving home where she will get the attention and care she deserves for the rest of her life," said Leake.
The owner of the 16 dogs is known to the BC SPCA and has faced animal cruelty charges before. If charged and convicted in this case, he faces a maximum fine of $2,000, up to six months in jail and a prohibition on owning animals for a period of time determined by a judge. References
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