A 27-year-old male has been arrested after allegedly tying two pit bulls to the back of his pickup truck and dragging them a short distance.
“One of the dogs, a pit bull puppy, sustained significant injuries and required immediate hospitalization,” Const. Gary O’Brien wrote in a press release. “The other dog, a mature pit bull, was able to keep up with the vehicle and was not injured.”
“The puppy suffered significant bruising to his torso and had raw patches on his legs and shoulders from where he was dragged,” he added. “The animal was also treated for shock. The accused was not the owner of the dogs, but they are owned by family members.”
The incident occurred Friday, July 12 at approximately 3 p.m. on Ivor Road in Cedar.
Based on the information provided and the examination of the animals, RCMP arrested the man and took him into police custody. He was later released on a Promise to Appear, and charges of Causing Unnecessary Suffering to an Animal under the Criminal Code of Canada have been recommended. One of his release conditions is to have no contact with animals, according to O’Brien.
The accused’s first court appearance is set for Sept. 3 in Nanaimo Provincial Court.
