Crown Counsel has approved charges of animal cruelty against Pouce Coupe resident Alexis Walker, following a 2016 BC SPCA investigation.

Walker’s emaciated Rottweiler, Kira, was taken into BC SPCA care in June 2016 after Walker failed to comply with orders to provide proper food and veterinary care for the dog.

“She was in very poor condition when she came into our care,” says BC SPCA senior animal protection officer Debbie Goodine. “Her body conditioning score was only one out of nine, meaning that she was extremely emaciated, and she was suffering from severe bladder and kidney infections.”

Wendy Davies, manager of the BC SPCA’s South Peace Branch in Dawson Creek, says Kira also had muscle atrophy from her condition, which affected her mobility. “We immediately implemented a feeding program monitored by a veterinarian and in three weeks she had gained 25 pounds, simply with the proper nutrition and antibiotics for her infections.”

After a year of fostering Kira while she recovered fully, Davies says she fell in love with the gentle dog and ended up adopting her permanently. “She is a beautiful dog and she is doing wonderfully,” she says. “She has been through so much, but she is so resilient and forgiving.”

If convicted, Walker faces a maximum fine of $75,000, up to two years in jail and up to a lifetime ban on owning animals.