Animal cruelty charges in flea infestation case on Vancouver Island
Posted December 11, 2017 10:52 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
NANAIMO (NEWS 1130) – A Vancouver Island man has been charged with animal cruelty after his dog nearly died of a flea infestation earlier this year.
Back in July, the terrier named “Rascal” was taken into the BC SPCA’s custody, as he lost about 85 per cent of his blood. Rascal needed life-saving blood transfusions.
The animal has since recovered and has been placed in a new home.
Gary Bob of Lantzville has been charged with one count of animal cruelty under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
Tina Heary is the BC SPCA’s senior animal protection officer. She says while many people know that fleas can cause itchiness and irritation for dogs, they don’t seem to know how bad they can get.
“Many don’t seem to realize that flea infestations can cause a serious threat to the health and well-being of their animals. Fleas feed on blood, which is why poor Rascal was in critical distress when he came into our care. He was literally dying from fleas.”
The SPCA adds flea prevention can also save you money, as treating an infestation on your pet costs a lot more.
