Charges of animal cruelty have been laid against a Vancouver Island woman accused of beating a seven-year-old teacup Chihuahua so severely that the dog had to be euthanized due to critical distress. The charges come after an investigation by the BC SPCA.

Kylie Nikkels of Courtenay faces two counts of animal cruelty under the Criminal Code of Canada and makes her first court appearance on Oct. 20.

BC SPCA senior animal protection officer Tina Heary says the female Chihuahua named Bianca  belonged to Nikkels’ grandmother and sustained the injuries on April 9, 2016, when left alone in the home with Nikkels. The dog was later taken to a veterinary clinic suffering from severe haemorrhaging and a crushed skull and chest and was euthanized.

“It is so heart-breaking to think of the pain this little dog would have suffered,” says Heary.

“We are pleased that the investigation has led to formal charges being laid.”

 

 

 

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.