Injured German shepherd rescued from dumpster in Vancouver

July 18, 2012. For immediate release.

BC SPCA constables responded to an emergency call at 11:40 a.m. today (July 18) from a couple who had found a badly injured dog in a dumpster in the 1400 block of Maple Street in Vancouver. The male German shepherd, approximately two years old, was wrapped in a bloody blanket inside the dumpster and was conscious but not very responsive.

SPCA constables removed the dog from the dumpster and rushed him to a critical care hospital for immediate medical treatment. “The dog has sustained very serious lacerations and bruising to his face and neck,” says Marcie Moriarty, general manger of cruelty investigations for the BC SPCA. “It appears the injuries were sustained within the past 24 hours.” She notes that the dog is also underweight. While the injuries are extremely serious the SPCA is hopeful the dog can be saved.

“We have identified the owner and are working, with the assistance of the Vancouver Police, to determine how the dog sustained the injuries and who is responsible,” says Moriarty. “It is too early in the investigation to draw conclusions but we expect to have more details very shortly.”

Photo caption: (above) badly injured dog found wrapped in bloody blanket

Photo caption: (above) BC SPCA removed the dog from the dumpster

Photo caption: (above) german shepherd receiving medical treatment at critical care hospital

—30—

For more information:

Lorie Chortyk, general manager, community relations, BC SPCA, 604-830-7179 (cell)

Marcie Moriarty, general manager, cruelty investigations, 604-647-1318 (office), 604-258-8642 (cell)

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.