The BC SPCA is recommending charges be laid under the PCA Act and Criminal Code of Canada in a cruelty case involving a female lab-cross and her puppies.

The animals came into the BC SPCA’s care over the weekend when a badly emaciated dog wearing a heavy chain around her neck caught the attention of a group of concerned campers at a Lake Errock campground on Saturday.

One of the campers called the BC SPCA Maple Ridge Branch. A constable met with the group and retrieved the animal. The campers had removed the thirteen-pound chain from the frail dog’s neck, which was missing a significant amount of hair where the chain had rubbed the skin. “Ruby” was also suffering from open sores and numerous parasites.

During transport Ruby excreted shreds of fabric she had eaten earlier to stave off her hunger.

Further investigation revealed Ruby belonged to a couple at a nearby residence and that she had recently given birth to a litter of seven six-week-old pups. Four of the pups, also emaciated and infested with parasites and fleas, were located back at the campground. The constable gathered up the puppies, whom some campers had taken, advising them that the pups needed immediate medical attention and were too young to be separated from their mother. The other three puppies had been given away to passersby in the vicinity of the campground.

The mother and pups are currently in the care of the BC SPCA Abbotsford Branch, where they are receiving medical attention.

The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a not-for-profit organization reliant on public donations. Our mission is to protect and enhance the quality of life for domestic, farm and wild animals in B.C.