Pregnant pit bull to undergo life-saving caesarian

January 21, 2010. For immediate release.

Pepper the starving pit bull is about to go into labour with six large puppies, but thanks to an untreated pelvic injury, she needs a caesarean section to deliver them.

"It's a heartbreaking case," says Leon Davis, manager of the BC SPCA's Nanaimo Branch. "She's only two years old and she's already been through so much, but she's got a wonderfully sweet demeanor and we know she'll be a great mom."

Pepper was surrendered to the SPCA after she was hit by a car and her former guardian refused to take her to a vet. In addition to a broken pelvis, Pepper had internal parasites, she was covered in scabs and her hips protruded from her sides.

She's expected to go into labour any day, but her broken pelvis means she may not be able to deliver her puppies.

"That's why we're going to do a C-section," says Davis. "And we'll repair her pelvis at the same time."

Davis says Pepper has stolen the hearts of all the staff and volunteers at his branch, as well as the foster family who is caring for her until she goes into labour.

"She's just a lovely dog and we're blessed to be able to give her a second chance."

The BC SPCA is a non-profit organization entirely reliant on donations from the public. Pepper's C-section is estimated to cost $600 to $800; with a pelvic repair, the total operation is estimated at $2,500. Davis is hoping local animal lovers will help support Pepper and the nearly 1,400 other animals the Nanaimo Branch cares for every year by making a donation at spca.bc.ca/nanaimo and clicking on the "support your local branch" icon. Donors can also call the branch at 250-758-8444 to make a donation or drop by or mail the shelter at 2200 Labieux Rd., Nanaimo, B.C., V9T 6J9.

Meanwhile, the SPCA's cruelty investigations department, which is also funded by donations, continues to investigate Pepper's case and charges are anticipated.

For more information:

Leon Davis, manager, BC SPCA Nanaimo Branch, 250-758-8444

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.