Charges of animal cruelty pending against owner of emaciated retriever

March 8, 2010. For immediate release.

Charges of animal cruelty are pending against the owner of an emaciated golden retriever named Trooper who was dropped off at the BC SPCA's Maple Ridge Branch Feb. 28.

"Through our ongoing cruelty investigation we identified the owner, who has surrendered legal custody of the dog to the SPCA and we will be submitting a report to Crown counsel this week recommending charges," said Eileen Drever, senior animal protection officer for the BC SPCA.

The young adult male dog, whose matted fur was covered in dirt, mud and feces, was dropped off at the shelter by a man who claimed he found the dog near the intersection of 237th Street and Dewdney Trunk Road.

Drever said she's never seen an animal that emaciated in her entire 30-year career with the not-for-profit society.

"I thought I had seen everything, but clearly I was wrong," said Drever. "This dog has literally wasted away — I'm not sure how he even had the strength to stand."

Mark Vosper, manager of the BC SPCA's Maple Ridge Branch, said staff and volunteers at the shelter were also shocked by Trooper's emaciated condition.  "It is so difficult to see an animal in that state – like a walking skeleton -  but despite his horrific condition he loves doing all the things that other dogs do – he is very friendly and loves attention, getting treats and playing."

A typical male golden retriever should weigh between 30 and 34 kilograms; Trooper weighed 11 kilograms (24 pounds) when he was brought in Feb. 28. "He actually weighed less than his bag of dog food when he was brought in but he is steadily gaining weight and it is being checked by a veterinarian every day," said Vosper.

The gentle, affectionate dog is being fostered by a shelter staff member and Vosper expects it will be several months before Trooper will be well enough to be adopted out.

The BC SPCA relies on donations from the community to provide its services for animals in need. To find out more about the BC SPCA or to pledge your support for animals like Trooper, please visit spca.bc.ca.

For more information:

Eileen Drever, senior animal protection officer, BC SPCA, 604-709-4670;

Mark Vosper, manager, BC SPCA Maple Ridge Branch, 604-463-9511;

Lorie Chortyk, general manager, community relations, BC SPCA, 604-647-1316.

The BC SPCA is a non-profit organization funded primarily by public donations. Our mission is to prevent cruelty and to promote the welfare of animals through a wide range of services, including cruelty investigations, emergency rescue and treatment, sheltering and adoption of homeless and abused animals, humane education, advocacy, farm animal welfare, spay/neuter programs, and wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.