The B.C. SPCA says charges are being pursued against someone in Merritt who tethered a malnourished dog to a truck and drove off, dragging the animal for about 200 metres.
SPCA officers took the young collie mix to a veterinary clinic in Kamloops to be treated for his injuries.
“This is such a sad story,” said Eileen Drever of the B.C. SPCA. “He has abrasions to his front and back paw pads and hocks (the joint between the dog’s hind leg and foot), and his nails were shredded. He is also underweight with a body score of two out of nine, which is very thin.”
Radiographs taken by the veterinarian showed that, thankfully, the dog had no internal injuries. SPCA staff, who named the dog Sunny, treated him for abrasions and bruising and he was prescribed antibiotics for an infection to his carpal pads, located just above the foot, and given pain medications.
Sunny is recovering at the B.C. SPCA’s Kamloops animal centre, said Drever. Staff are carefully following veterinary recommendations to help the dog gain weight.
“Sunny has already gained two kilograms while in our care,” she said.
Drever said the dog quickly became a favourite at the centre: “Everyone is so impressed at his resiliency.
“Sunny loves spending time outside in the sunshine, playing in the field with staff and volunteers. He is a huge fan of cuddles in his kennel and loves nothing more than hanging out with people.”
It’s not known when Sunny will be available for adoption as the investigation continues. Drever said the SPCA will be recommending charges to Crown counsel under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
Anyone who can help Sunny and other animals in B.C. SPCA care can visit the donor page at spca.bc.ca.
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