Maple Ridge woman charged with animal cruelty
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Updated: November 25, 2009 3:39 PM
A Maple Ridge woman faces a charge of animal cruelty after repeatedly ignoring orders to improve care for her dog.
The charge against Denise Westle was laid in Port Coquitlam Provincial Court last week following an investigation by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals that began earlier this year.
A member of the public triggered the probe by calling the BCSPCA to report Max, a 10-year-old springer spaniel, in distress.
Animal protection officers found Max on a tether and suffering from a severe untreated ear infection, deviated digits from overgrown nails and filthy, matted fur.
The BCSPCA allege Westle had tied up the dog in a yard littered with garbage, debris and fecal matter.
“Constables visited the property several times and repeatedly issued orders to improve Max’s welfare and address his care needs, and those orders were ignored,” said BC SPCA senior animal protection officer Eileen Drever.
"This dog had been on a chain forever. It spent its life on a chain."
Max was seized by the SPCA and taken into custody, where he was given immediate veterinary care. He has since been adopted.
“We always try to educate owners about the care expectations that come with having an animal,” said Drever.
“But when an owner fails to provide for their animal and has demonstrated that they are equally unlikely to do so in the future, there comes a point when we must take greater action.
"It's an offence to cause an animal to be in distress or continue to be in distress," added Drever. "The primary objective is to educate people, but if all else fails, we are not going to leave a dog on a chain to continue to suffer."
A new BCSPCA campaign highlighting the plight of chained and backyard dogs was launched recently.
The campaign includes a televised public service announcement, posters, advice for dog guardians to help them bring the dog back into the family and information on the negative physical and psychological impact of chaining or isolating dogs.
• To learn more, visit www.spca.bc.ca
