Pitt Meadows man charged after BC SPCA investigates possible serial abuse of Pekingese dogs

August 26, 2010. For immediate release.

Pitt Meadows resident David Chan has been charged with animal cruelty in the alleged abuse of his seven-month-old Pekingese, Bosco.  A veterinarian alerted BC SPCA constables after Chan brought the dog to his clinic on Feb. 9 suffering from a broken hip and two fractured hind legs.  The dog was euthanized at Chan’s request.

“During our investigation we discovered that Chan had taken 11 Pekingese dogs to three different clinics on numerous occasions between 2008 and 2010, all suffering from suspicious injuries and ailments,” said Marcie Moriarty, general manager of cruelty investigations for the BC SPCA.  “Some of the dogs were already deceased from their injuries when he brought them to the clinics, others were suffering from burns, deep cuts, hemorrhages, ulcerated lesions, inflamed ears and eyes, serious fractures and malnutrition.”

Moriarty said the BC SPCA pursued charges under both the Criminal Code of Canada and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and executed a warrant on Feb. 16 to take Dolly, Chan’s remaining Pekingese, into protective custody.  While awaiting news on whether charges had been approved, the BC SPCA received a report on Aug. 19 that Chan had purchased another Pekingese dog and alerted Coquitlam Crown counsel.  Crown advised that charges against Chan had just been approved and the accused was immediately arrested.  Chan’s most recent acquisition, Taffy, was surrendered into SPCA care. 

“We are obviously extremely concerned and suspicious of Chan’s history with his animals,” said Moriarty. “At this point we know the charges relate to one of the dogs, Bosco, but are waiting to hear if Crown will include evidence regarding the other dogs in the case.”

Chan makes his first appearance in Coquitlam court on Sept. 9.  If convicted, he faces 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.  Under his bail conditions Chan may not own, possess or be alone with any animal.

For more information:

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

Lorie Chortyk, general manager, community relations, BC SPCA, 604-830-7179 (cell), 604-647-1316 (office).

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.