The B.C. SPCA has seized a dog and started an animal cruelty investigation into a West Vancouver man they say was keeping his dog outside in the cold and not providing enough food.
West Vancouver police assisted in taking the animal into care in the Cedardale neighbourhood on Thursday afternoon.
“It was concern over the dog being kept outdoors, the lack of proper food, water, shelter and enrichment,” said Lorie Chortyk, BC SPCA’s general manager of community relations.
The 13-month-old black German shepherd was thin, but not emaciated, and its condition met the definition of distress under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
“Even if the animal hadn’t been kept outdoors, there probably would have been enough there to seize the dog,” she said.
The SPCA became aware of the case following reports from concerned members of the community. Chortyk said the investigation is continuing with the intent of submitting a request for cruelty charges from Crown counsel soon. The investigation will involve gathering witness testimony and a veterinarian’s report although it could take several weeks or months before charges are sworn, Chortyk said.
In the meantime, the owner has 14 days to appeal for the return of his dog.
“Then immediately after that 14 days, the animal will go up for adoption,” Chortyk said.
The investigation report did not make mention of any psychological or temperamental issues with the dog.
“With any animal we take in, even if there are psychological issues, we work with them until they’re ready for adoption. We don’t give up on them that easily,” she said.
Chortyk said the case should serve as a warning to others about leaving their pets outside when the weather gets this cold.
“It is very dangerous for them to be outside, especially for smaller dogs and dogs with shorter coats. Really try to limit the time you put them outside so that you don’t put your pet in danger,” she said.
Keeping a dog outdoors in warmer weather doesn’t endanger them but, as social animals, it can be harmful to their emotional well-being, Chortyk said.
“They really want to be with the family. Keeping an animal outdoors for whatever reason is never good for their welfare but in this case, certainly temperatures were the issue,” she said.
