Couple facing animal cruelty charges due to dog’s dental decay
A couple from Maple Ridge is facing animal cruelty charges after their dog required 14 teeth pulling out.
The couple’s dog had such severe decay that its teeth were rotting and veterinarians had to remove 14 teeth. The couple have been charged with causing an animal distress and pain under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. If the couple is found guilty of the charge they face a lifetime ban on owning pets and will be forced to pay a fine of up to $5000 or spend time in jail.
The couple’s dog, Pudding, a black terrier, was found on the streets of Maple Ridge last year; when the dog was examined by staff at the SPCA (society for the prevention of cruelty to animals) shelter, they found that Pudding had severe periodontal problems and was suffering from extreme pain. The dog was returned to its owners and they were advised to get dental treatment for Pudding as soon as possible.
Members of staff from the SPCA went back to check on Pudding and he had not received any treatment; as a result of this, he was seized and taken to see a vet. The vet diagnosed stage four periodontal disease and Pudding had 14 teeth extracted. Marcie Moriarty, general manager of cruelty investigations at the SPCA, said that Pudding should never have been allowed to become so ill and urged pet owners to take good care of their pet’s oral health.
Pudding has now been rehomed with a loving family.
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