Brian Whitlock, the man who pleaded guilty to a vicious attack on his two-year-old German shepherd last year, was sentenced today to a lifetime ban on owning animals, a 60-day jail term and three years’ probation. Marcie Moriarty, chief enforcement and prevention officer for the BC SPCA, said the society is pleased with the lifetime ban, but is disappointed in the 60-day jail term handed down. “We feel that the six-month jail term recommended by Crown counsel, which did take into account Whitlock’s mental health issues, was more appropriate given the brutality of the attack.”
Whitlock was charged with animal cruelty in December of 2012 following a BC SPCA investigation into the death of Captain, who was found wrapped in a bloody blanket inside a Vancouver dumpster on July 18, 2012.
“It is absolutely heartbreaking to think of the suffering that this dog experienced – it’s beyond comprehension,” said Lorie Chortyk, general manager of community relations for the BC SPCA.
BC SPCA constables rushed to the scene on July 18 after residents in the 1400 block heard cries coming from the dumpster and found the critically injured dog lying inside. He was conscious but unresponsive and was suffering from serious lacerations and massive bruising to his head and body. Later tests revealed that he had extreme neurological and spinal damage and was likely going to be a quadriplegic.
“Captain received the very best, around-the-clock medical care,” says Chortyk. “We did everything in our power to save him, but his injuries were just too serious and he died of cardiac arrest the following day.”
Chortyk said the BC SPCA received emails and telephone messages from thousands of people from across North America who were outraged at the brutal attack. “We investigate more than 6,000 cases of animal cruelty every year and each story is heartbreaking to us, but I think the image of Captain lying helplessly in that dumpster really touched a nerve with people.”
The BC SPCA depends on community donations to fund its cruelty investigations work. To find out how you can make a difference for animals in need, visit spca.bc.ca.
Photo caption: (top) german shepherd receiving medical treatment at critical care hospital
Photo caption: (bottom) badly injured dog found wrapped in bloody blanket
Updated story: April 10, 2013
Captain’s owner pleads guilty to charges of abuse
The owner of a two-year-old German shepherd who was found wrapped in a bloody blanket inside a Vancouver dumpster on July 18, 2012, entered a guilty plea yesterday in the case. Criminal Code charges were laid against Brian Whitlock, 26, in December 2012 following a BC SPCA investigation.
The critically injured dog, named Captain, was rescued by BC SPCA constables after residents in the 1400 block of Maple Street heard cries coming from inside the dumpster. Captain was conscious but unresponsive and was suffering from serious lacerations and massive bruising to his head and body. Later tests revealed that he had extreme neurological and spinal damage and was likely going to be a quadriplegic. Despite intensive, around-the-clock care Captain succumbed to his severe injuries and died of cardiac arrest the following day.
Lorie Chortyk, general manager of community relations for the BC SPCA, said the SPCA received thousands of emails, social media posts and telephone messages from people who were outraged by the case. “We investigate more than 6,000 cases of animal abuse every year and each story is heartbreaking to us, but I think the image of Captain lying helplessly in that dumpster touched the hearts of so many people and brought home the shocking reality of violence against animals in our society.”
Marcie Moriarty, the BC SPCA’s chief prevention and enforcement officer, says she hopes the guilty plea will lead to a swift and appropriate resolution of the case. “This was a heinous crime and one that took an emotional toll on all those involved in the investigation,” she said. “We hope the sentencing in the case will reflect the brutal nature of the attack and will provide justice for this beautiful dog, Captain, who suffered and died under the most unspeakable circumstances.”
Whitlock, who will be sentenced in June, faces up to five years in jail, a fine of up to $10,000 and up to a lifetime ban on owning or having custody of animals.
Original story: Dec 3, 2013
Charges approved against owner of German shepherd left in dumpster
The BC SPCA announced today that charges of animal cruelty have been laid against the owner of Captain, a two-year-old German shepherd who was found wrapped in a bloody blanket inside a Vancouver dumpster on July 18. Brian Whitlock, 26, was charged under the Criminal Code and will make his first court appearance in Vancouver on Dec. 7.
“The BC SPCA is extremely pleased that Crown counsel accepted our recommendation for charges in this case,” said Lorie Chortyk, general manager of community relations for the BC SPCA. “It is absolutely heartbreaking to think of the suffering that this dog experienced – it’s beyond comprehension.”
BC SPCA constables rushed to the scene on July 18 after residents in the 1400 block heard cries coming from the dumpster and found the critically injured dog lying inside. He was conscious but unresponsive and was suffering from serious lacerations and massive bruising to his head and body. Later tests revealed that he had extreme neurological and spinal damage and was likely going to be a quadriplegic.
“Captain received the very best, around-the-clock medical care,” says Chortyk. “We did everything in our power to save him, but his injuries were just too serious and he died of cardiac arrest the following day.”
Chortyk said the BC SPCA received emails and telephone messages from thousands of people from across North America who were outraged at the brutal attack. “We investigate more than 7,000 cases of animal cruelty every year and each story is heartbreaking to us, but I think the image of Captain lying helplessly in that dumpster really touched a nerve with people.”
If convicted, Whitlock faces up to five years in jail, a fine of up to $75,000 and up to a lifetime ban on owning or having custody of animals.
The BC SPCA depends on community donations to fund its cruelty investigations work. To find out how you can make a difference for animals in need, visit spca.bc.ca/support.
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.