SPCA recommending charges after 'extremely starved' dog found in crate
![Luffy The B.C. SPCA said Luffy, a two-year-old pitbull terrier, was "severely emaciated" when surrendered into the charity's care. (B.C. SPCA)](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2023/12/15/luffy-1-6689838-1702683153893.jpg)
The B.C. SPCA is preparing to recommend charges after finding an "extremely emaciated" dog confined to a crate in a dark basement, according to the charity’s North Cariboo shelter.
An animal protection officer discovered Luffy, a two-year-old pitbull terrier, after responding to a complaint about the animal's health and living conditions, the SPCA said in a news release Thursday.
Kristen Sumner, manager of the SPCA's North Cariboo animal centre, said Luffy was taken for emergency veterinary attention "immediately" after the dog was surrendered into the charity's care.
"Luffy was so extremely starved, he could only be given food or water under a veterinarian’s care because of the risk to his brain and other organs," Sumner said in a statement.
The dog was kept at an emergency clinic for four days, receiving IV fluids and being fed a "nutrient-dense paste" via syringe, according to the SPCA. Luffy was also treated for internal parasites.
The animal has since gained back some weight, but the process has been slow, Sumner said.
"Due to the scarcity of food in the home where he was living, we are also working with him on his resource guarding and to build his trust and confidence that there will always be food for him," she added.
"We have been keeping his routine very consistent and he is finally relaxed enough to enjoy his comfy big bed instead of constantly worrying about getting another meal."
The B.C. SPCA said Luffy will be placed up for adoption once he has reached a healthy weight and been neutered.
The case remains under investigation but the SPCA said it is expecting to recommend charges.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.7029443.1725744633!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
Police release video of Toronto plaza shooting that killed university student
A university student from Brampton was killed when two shooters fired indiscriminately into a crowded plaza in Toronto last month in what police say was a 'cowardly act.'
'Hopeless and helpless': Regina mother seeks help to treat rare spinal disease
Mary Grace Rico is seeking help in getting treatment for a rare spinal condition.
The iPhone is getting a 'glow' up. What to expect from Apple's Monday event
Apple excited fans with its vision for its 'Apple Intelligence' artificial intelligence system earlier this year. Now, it's time for the company to prove it really works.
No more porta-potties at B.C. construction sites starting Oct. 1
What some B.C. construction workers describe as the worst aspect of their jobs will be coming to an end next month, the province announced.
'Extremely vigorous' wildfire activity in central B.C. prompts crews to back off for safety
The wildfire fight in central B.C. intensified Friday, according to officials.
Aryna Sabalenka beats Jessica Pegula to win the U.S. Open for her third Grand Slam title
Aryna Sabalenka got past Jessica Pegula 7-5, 7-5 in a rollicking U.S. Open women’s final Saturday to win her first championship at Flushing Meadows and third Grand Slam title of her career.
They were due to leave for their dream cruise in May. Three months on they’re still stuck at the departure port
It was the years-long cruise that was supposed to set sail, but saw its departure postponed… postponed… and postponed again.
Trudeau insists he's staying on as Liberal leader. But what if he changes his mind?
The Liberal caucus is set to meet in Nanaimo, B.C., next week for a retreat ahead of the fall parliamentary sitting. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau insists he will lead his party into the next election despite polls citing his unpopularity among Canadians. Here's a look at what would happen if he decided to call it quits.