Sooke resident Dr. Philip Ney has been charged with animal cruelty following the death of his six-year-old mixed breed dog Star.

“Apparently Star had given birth to many litters of puppies over the years and had whelped 14 puppies in January,” says BC SPCA senior animal protection officer Erika Paul.

“According to Ney only five puppies in the litter survived and he believes the rest died from exposure to the elements.” Star had to be rushed to an emergency vet following the births and the examining veterinarian advised Ney that Star likely had a necrotic fetus still inside her and would need further hospital care and possible surgery for her life-threatening condition.

“Ney disregarded the advice of the veterinarian and took Star home without further diagnostics or effective treatment. She was found dead five days later by a volunteer search group and the results of the necropsy confirm that there was a necrotic fetus in her birthing canal,” says Paul.

“Her abdomen was full of pus and her uterus had ruptured.  She would have suffered an extremely painful death due to the lack of veterinary care.”

Ney makes his first court appearance on Aug. 3 at 9 a.m.at the Western Communities Courthouse.