Pitt Meadows resident David Chan has been given a lifetime ban on owning animals after pleading guilty to abusing his seven-month-old Pekingese, Bosco. A veterinarian alerted BC SPCA constables after Chan brought the dog to his clinic on Feb. 9, 2010 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 animal cruelty charges and executed a warrant on Feb. 16, 2010 to take Dolly, Chan’s remaining Pekingese, into protective custody. Another Pekingese, named Taffy, purchased by Chan in 2010, was also taken into SPCA care.
“There is obviously a troubling history with Mr. Chan and his animals and we are very pleased that the courts have taken this case very seriously,” said Moriarty.
Chan pleaded guilty and was sentenced on May 26 to Criminal Code charges of causing unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to an animal. In addition to the lifetime ban on owning or having custody of animals, he was given a one-year probation, required to perform 70 hours of community service and must attend court-mandated counselling.
The BC SPCA performs more than 7,000 cruelty investigations each year. Your gift can help rescue and protect an animal in need and bring abusers to justice. Please donate today.
August 26, 2010
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.
You can help BC SPCA animal protection officers conduct an estimated 5,900 new investigations and rescue more than 1,300 animals from dangerous or neglectful situations this year. Please donate today.
Photo caption: A typical Shih tzu dog is shown above for illustrative purposes, and is not one of the dogs related to this case.
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.