The BC SPCA is investigating a Coquitlam resident believed to be the owner of an emaciated Siberian husky found wandering in Maple Ridge on Jan. 31.
The dog, now named Willow, is between one and two years old and weighed just 15 kg when she was taken in. A normal weight for such a dog of her age would be about 24 kg.
The BC SPCA's Cruelty Investigations Department identified the dog's owner, a Coquitlam university student in his 20s, after they received a call from a neighbour who recognized the dog after seeing her photo in the media.
"Information from this individual led to the identification of the dog's owner," said Marcie Moriarty, chief prevention and enforcement officer for the BC SPCA. "After interviewing him we believe there is sufficient evidence to move forward with animal cruelty charges under both the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Criminal Code."
A Good Samaritan brought the dog in to the Maple Ridge SPCA. She was extremely weak and had been eating gravel and dirt to try and stay alive but is now recovering well.
Donations for the dog's care are welcomed at www.spca.bc.ca.
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