Animal Abuse: Dog muzzled, dragged, tethered, abandoned - Kelowna, BC

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Case ID: 17635

Classification: Neglect / Abandonment

Animal: dog (non pit-bull)

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Dog muzzled, dragged, tethered, abandoned
Kelowna, BC (CA)

Incident Date: Monday, Mar 14, 2011

Disposition: Alleged
Case Images: 1 files available

Alleged: Dave Schamerhorn

Case Updates: 1 update(s) available

The owner of a critically ill dog dumped on the doorstep of the Kelowna SPCA two weeks ago is facing charges of animal cruelty.

Security cameras at the SPCA showed a muzzled dog being pulled from a dark coloured truck at about 4:30 a.m. on March 14.

The dog was seen being dragged across the parking lot and tied to the front door of the shelter.

The dog, named Sable by shelter staff, suffered from a severe neurological condition which prevented her from standing or walking.

She had to be humanely euthanized.

A copy of the video was distributed to the local media.

As a result of tips from the public, Sable's owner was identified.

"We are so grateful to the media for raising awareness about this story and to the people who provided us with information to solve this case," says Kelowna SPCA Branch Manager Sabrina Fedorak.

"Our SPCA constable acted on a tip and did some incredible detective work to determine the owner of the dog. Charges of animal cruelty are now pending in the case."

Fedorak says it was heartbreaking to think of how much the frightened dog must have suffered after being abandoned.

"It is clear from viewing the video footage that her condition deteriorated dramatically from the time she was abandoned to when we found her," adds Fedorak.

"We wish we could have saved her life but it just wasn't possible given her level of suffering and distress. At least we have the comfort of knowing that we can now seek justice on her behalf. We are truly grateful to everyone who helped us ensure that her owner will be held accountable for his actions."

Case Updates

Charges of animal cruelty have now been laid against a Kelowna man who abandoned his critically ill dog last month at the SPCA.

Dave Schamerhorn faces charges under both the Criminal Code of Canada and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act after his female Labrador-cross dog was dumped in the Kelowna SPCA parking lot at 4:30 a.m. on March 14.

Schamerhorn was later identified with the help of local media and the public.

Security cameras at the shelter show The beige and white dog, being taken from a dark-coloured truck and pulled across the parking lot.

The dog was muzzled and left tied to the front of the shelter.

When SPCA staff arrived to work they rushed the critically ill dog for veterinary care but she had to be euthanized later that day due to a severe neurological condition.

"It is clear from viewing the video footage that her condition deteriorated dramatically from the time she was abandoned to when we found her," said Sabrina Fedorak, manager of the Kelowna SPCA Branch.

"We wish we could have saved her life but it just wasn't possible given her level of suffering and distress. At least we have the comfort of knowing that we were able to seek justice on her behalf."

She says there are other humane ways available rather than abandoning a sick dog.

"The SPCA is here to help and there are veterinarians who offer reduced rates and so many other options for people to seek help," says Fedorak. "To just leave your animal alone in critical condition, knowing no one will find her for hours, is just not acceptable."

BC SPCA constable Linda Walker, lead investigator for the case, says one outcome for charges like this is to have the owner prohibited from owning animals if convicted.

The BC SPCA conducts more than 7,000 cruelty investigations a year and is reliant on donations from the public to continue its work. To find out more go to : Source: castanet.net - Apr 21, 2011
Update posted on Apr 21, 2011 - 8:35AM

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References

- Mar 28, 2011

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Dog muzzled, dragged, tethered, abandonedKelowna, BC (CA)

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Dog muzzled, dragged, tethered, abandoned
Kelowna, BC (CA)