Animal Protection officers seized a six-month-old cocker spaniel puppy in Kelowna after receiving reports of alleged physical abuse.
“The investigating officer was informed the puppy was being kept in a crate in a closet,” says Eileen Drever, BC SPCA senior officer protection and stakeholder relations. “This puppy endured both physical and psychological abuse. She was only taken outside twice a day to relieve herself, spending approximately 10 hours a day confined to a crate in a dark closet.”
After the puppy was taken into custody, she was brought to a veterinarian who diagnosed her with soft tissue damage. She also tested positive for giardia infection. “The puppy was very fearful when she first arrived at the animal centre,” says Shannon Paille, manager BC SPCA Kelowna. “She would sit at the front of the kennel, but when anyone approached her, she would cower and wiggle around. She wouldn’t let anyone pet her and would lower herself to the ground and back away when anyone tried.”
The puppy would also hide under her bed. “The only way to get her to come out was to give her treats,” says Paille. “We eventually replaced the bed with a crate so she wouldn’t confine herself to such a small space. We placed a blanket over it so she would feel safe.”
The puppy showed small improvements in her fearful behaviour. “She stopped backing away when someone opened the kennel door, but her body posture remained low, and she displayed submissive behaviour urinating when approached.”
BC SPCA staff determined that the puppy would do best in a BC SPCA foster home. “Although she was a very nervous dog given everything she has been through, she really settled in with her foster,” says Paille.
We are thrilled to announce that the puppy has found a loving family prepared to offer her the care and attention she deserves after everything she’s endured. Her adoption will become official once she has fully healed from the soft tissue damage in her leg and has undergone her spay surgery, completing her recovery under the care of the BC SPCA.
The BC SPCA will be recommending charges.