A four-month-old German shepherd puppy is recovering from multiple pellet-shot wounds after being found in a B.C. provincial park near Niskonlith Lake, near Chase. The BC SPCA has launched an investigation and is hoping someone in the community has information about the person or persons responsible.

“Some individuals out walking their dogs by Nisquanles Lake earlier this month saw the puppy cowering under a bush,” says BC SPCA senior animal protection officer Kathy Woodward. “They took him to a veterinary clinic in Salmon Arm, where the pellets were removed.” She notes that one of the pellets that was surgically removed was only one millimetre from puppy’s aorta.

Const. Woodward says the veterinarian caring for the puppy is covering the full costs of his medical care and one of the clinic staff plans to adopt the dog.

“Thankfully, the puppy will recover and will be adopted into a loving home, but the SPCA is seeking information leading to charges in the case,” says Const. Woodward. “It is important that people understand that animal cruelty is not acceptable and those who inflict pain and suffering on animals will be brought to justice.”

The BC SPCA is asking anyone with information about the incident to please contact the BC SPCA Animal Helpline at 1-855-622-7722.

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.