WARNING: the following story contains graphic images
The BC SPCA’s Cruelty Investigations Department is seeking the public’s help with a case involving a severely emaciated Siberian husky found wandering in Maple Ridge on Jan. 31. The young dog, estimated to be between one and two years old, weighed 15 kilograms upon intake, compared to a normal weight of about 24 kilograms for a dog of her age and breed.
“She has been assessed with a score of “one” on the canine body conditioning scale of one to nine, meaning that she is severely malnourished,” says BC SPCA senior animal protection officer Eileen Drever.
She says the dog, now named Willow, was brought to the Maple Ridge SPCA on Jan. 31 by a Good Samaritan who found her wandering near 256th and 128th in Maple Ridge.
“She has no identification to link her to an owner and we are seeking the public’s help in identifying who may be responsible for her.”
The dog was rushed to Dewdney Animal Hospital in Maple Ridge where she received around-the-clock treatment and she is now back in shelter care.
“When she first came in she was unable to lie down due to abdominal pain caused by rocks and soil in her gastrointestinal tract,” says Drever. “There were no food remnants in her stomach so we think she was eating gravel to try to stay alive.”
Willow has been receiving emergency medical and nutritional support since Saturday and has already gained one kilogram.
“She was barely able to walk when she came in. Her muscles are still very weak and she sometimes loses her balance but is now able to walk nearly a block with support,” adds Drever.
Drever says Willow’s condition is reminiscent of a 2010 cruelty case in Maple Ridge involving an emaciated golden retriever named Trooper.
“This is an open investigation and we urge anyone who recognizes this dog or who knows anything about this case to please contact the BC SPCA’s animal cruelty hotline at 1-855-622-7722 FREE immediately.”
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.
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