Maple Ridge couple charged with animal cruelty

August 24, 2010. For immediate release.

Charges of animal cruelty have been laid against Maple Ridge residents John Warren and Wendy Klassen after they failed to seek proper veterinary care for their injured dog. The couple faces charges under both the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Criminal Code of Canada. 

The BC SPCA was called to the residence in February after receiving a report that a dog had been hit by a car and was later seen limping. "When our constables contacted the owners, the couple admitted that they had not taken Max, a 15-month-old rottweiler mix, for veterinary care," said Marcie Moriarty, general manager of cruelty investigations for the BC SPCA.  "We issued an order for the dog to be taken to a clinic and they eventually took him in for an examination but refused the treatment recommended by the veterinarian."

The dog, who was kept outdoors on a chain, was seized by BC SPCA constables and taken for ongoing veterinary care, but later had to be humanely euthanized after his treatment options were exhausted.

"This is a very sad example of an animal who was needlessly left to suffer," said Moriarty.  "It is important that pet guardians understand their moral and legal responsibility to ensure that their animals are not in distress."

Warren and Klassen make their first court appearance on Thursday (Aug. 26). If convicted, they face a fine of up to $10,000, up to six months in jail and a prohibition on owning animals for a period of time determined by a judge.

For more information:

Marcie Moriarty, general manager, cruelty investigations, BC SPCA, 604-647-1318

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.