The BC SPCA says it’s been “overwhelmed” with support from the public for a young dog at the centre of one of the most disturbing cases of animal cruelty the agency has ever seen.
Molly, an 18-month-old Shepherd-cross, was rescued by Mounties after being found emaciated and nearly dead outside a Port Hardy home on Nov. 25.
The non-responsive and shivering dog had a bloody gaping wound on her neck where a heavy collar had become deeply embedded.
The SPCA waited to go public with the story until they were sure the animal would survive emergency treatment. Animal cruelty constables rate an abused animal’s body condition on a scale of one to nine: Molly was assessed at a zero, and not expected to live.
She is currently recovering at a foster home in Nanaimo, but it will be weeks before she will be able to be adopted.
Offers to adopt the dog have flooded in to the BC SPCA, and the agency is accepting donations to help with the vet bills to rehabilitate the animal.
“It’s been an overwhelming support from the public, but also horror at the fact that humanity… that someone could do this to an animal,” said Marcie Moriarty, chief enforcement officer for the BC SPCA.
More than 250 people have posted on the agency’s Facebook page calling for justice for Molly, hoping the person responsible is brought before the courts and held accountable for their actions, Moriarty said.
“When we look at animals most people just want to protect them so when we see someone who neglects them to this extent that tugs at our hearts,” she said.
More than 4,700 people had signed a petition on Change.org calling for her owners to face the maximum penalty for animal cruelty under B.C. law if they are convicted. The petition also requests that the owner pays the costs of Molly’s rehabilitation to the SPCA if they are found guilty.
“Crimes against animals must be taken more seriously and punished to the full extent of the law,” a message on the petition reads.
“Someone needs to be accountable for such terrible cruelty.”
The SPCA is crediting the Mounties for their support in the cruelty case. It was RCMP officers who found Molly, responding to a call from a member of the public.
With a total of 26 constables across B.C., Moriarty said it’s almost impossible to make it to every complaint of suspected abuse or mistreatment. She’s hoping to see the province financially support the agency to aid its cruelty investigations.
As for Molly, she may end up having a very merry Christmas. Moriarty says the dog will likely be adopted by one of her rescuers from the RCMP.
