Animal cruelty charges have now been approved against the owners of a young dog found starving and near death last fall in Port Hardy.

Molly, an 18-month-old shepherd-cross, was discovered extremely emaciated and non-responsive on the porch of a home on the Fort Rupert Reserve on Nov. 25, 2013. The pup had a bloody gaping wound on her neck where a heavy collar had become deeply embedded.

The animal welfare agency was overwhelmed with financial support from the public and offers to adopt Molly after the story went public.

The dog’s owners, Rupert Wilson and Crystal Bee, now face charges following an investigation by the SPCA.

If convicted, they could face a maximum $10,000 fine, a lifetime ban on owning animals or five years in jail.

“This dog had maybe a few hours to live because it was in such bad condition,” said Lorie Chortyk, the B.C. SPCA’s community relations manager.

“I don’t know how a human being could watch an animal literally starve to death before their eyes.”

The SPCA has credited 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.

Getting better every day

Molly has rebounded under foster care, putting on more than six kilograms in the months since she was rescued.

“To know that a difference has been made in the life of an animal like this, she was so severely emaciated. To see her gaining weight and getting healthy and her personality coming alive is so satisfying,” said SPCA Constable Tina Heary.

“She’s just such a sweet loving affectionate girl.”

Nearly 20,000 people have signed a change.org petition calling on Crown to approve the maximum sentence against Molly’s owners.

The sentiment is echoed by the SPCA, who wants the accused to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law -- to send a message that B.C. doesn’t tolerate cruelty to animals.

“We want justice for this dog,” Chortyk said. “We’re just so thankful she’s been rescued and she’s going to have a great future.”

With a total of 26 constables across B.C., the SPCA says it’s almost impossible to make it to every complaint of suspected abuse or mistreatment.

The SPCA is accepting donations to help with the vet bills to rehabilitate the animal.