Dog Cruelty

DUNCAN – The Cowichan Valley SPCA is investigating after a young dog and her eight pups were found clinging to life, sick with infection and infested with maggots. It’s a case that’s shocked long time staff and SPCA volunteers who thought they had seen it all. The pups and their emaciated mother were found by the SPCA after a neighbour complained they weren’t being taken care of. When a constable arrived, they found a scene of heartbreak and disgust. 3 puppies were already dead. The rest were riddled with infection and crawling with maggots. Within hours a fourth puppy died. The mother – a Lab/Pitbull Cross and hardly more than a pup herself at only a year old is underfed, dehydrated and very ill with infection. Today at the Central Cowichan Animal Hospital in Duncan, she’s in critical condition. The cruelty investigation continues and it’s likely the owner of the dogs – who the SPCA will not identify – will be facing charges. Both the mother and the surviving pup are clinging to life. This afternoon, the pup was rejecting food. This, say the SPCA – is a blatant example of the need for everyone to make sure pets are spayed and neutered. Donations towards vet costs can be dropped off at the Central Cowichan Animal Hospital or the Cowichan SPCA office on Bell Mckinnon Road in Duncan.