Charges of animal cruelty have been laid against Louis and Susan Walkus of the Tsulguate Reserve, Port Hardy, after BC SPCA constables were called out to rescue the couple’s seriously injured and neglected dog. The blond-coloured shih tzu mix named Roxy had severe injuries to both hind legs and was unable to walk.

“It was the worst case of animal suffering that I have ever personally witnessed,” said Kathleen Embree, manager of the Campbell River SPCA Branch.

“It was heartbreaking to see that poor little dog dragging herself across the ground because she was too injured to walk.” 

She adds that Roxy was badly matted and was found hiding in an outdoor wood shed filled with debris.  “The entire yard was filled with garbage, old appliances and other waste,” said Embree. “The living conditions she was forced to live in were deplorable.”

When the couple failed to seek proper veterinary care for Roxy, SPCA constables took the dog into custody and rushed her to a veterinarian where she had to be humanely euthanized because of critical distress.

“It is extremely upsetting for anyone who loves animals to see a situation like this because this animal did not have to suffer and die,” said Embree. “Roxy deserved to be loved and cared for.”

The accused couple makes their first court appearance on January 19, 2011 in Port Hardy.

BC SPCA animal protection officers will conduct an estimated 5,900 new investigations and rescue more than 1,300 animals from dangerous or neglectful situations this year. You can help us save the life of animal like Roxy, before it's too late. Please donate today.

Photo caption: Roxy was found hiding in a cluttered backyard suffering from injuries so serious that she was unable to walk.

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.