Courtenay man banned from owning animals after SPCA investigation
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Courtenay man banned from owning animals after SPCA investigation

March 10, 2017

A Courtenay resident has been banned from owning animals for 10 years after failing to provide necessary veterinary care for his 10-year-old English bulldog.

Darren Wiebe was also given a one-year suspended sentence, 12 months’ probation and ordered to complete 50 hours of community service.

Wiebe’s dog Fallen was surrendered to the Comox & District SPCA Branch in May, 2016 with numerous health issues.

“She had significant hair loss over most parts of her body and her skin was yellow, scabby, infected and bleeding,” said BC SPCA senior animal protection officer Tina Heary. “Her eyes were filled with pus and bleeding, she had a gangrenous ordour and her toes were raw and bloody.”

Because of the severity of her pain Fallen had to be humanely euthanized. The necropsy report noted that she was underweight with chronically inflamed eyes and ears and that she had severe demodectic mange and a secondary skin infection that had caused her pain and suffering. The veterinarian who submitted the report noted that her condition could have been treated had it been addressed earlier.

“Wiebe admitted that Fallen’s condition had been declining but he did not seek help for her,” says Heary. “This case is such an important reminder to all pet guardians of the responsibility they have to ensure that their animals get proper veterinary care. Fallen’s pain and suffering, and ultimately her death, was a direct result of neglect.”

The BC SPCA carries out nearly 10,000 investigations of animal cruelty and neglect each year and is funded by community donations. To find out how you can help fight animal cruelty, visit spca.bc.ca.

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