Three dogs shot, dumped in ditch in Prince George: SPCA

PRINCE GEORGE (NEWS 1130) — Three dogs were found shot in the head and killed, their bodies dumped in a ditch in an industrial area in Prince George.

The bodies of a black male French bulldog, a fawn-coloured female pug, and a black and tan female miniature pinscher were recovered from near the Fraser River on Monday.

The B.C. SPCA is investigating the gruesome crime, and says they are perplexed as to why someone would kill three sought-after breeds that would likely be easy to find homes for if they were unwanted, says veterinarian Theresa Cook with the SPCA.

“They appear to be well-cared-for, so it is a bit disturbing,” she says. “It even appeared that their nails were recently trimmed, so someone had been caring for these animals.”

Cook says a neighbour or someone angry with the dogs’ owner may have stolen and killed them, or worse. She says there’s a chance the dogs may not be the only victims here, and that someone, perhaps the dogs owner, could be stuck in a case of domestic violence.

“And potentially, they may need assistance,” says Cook.

The investigation involves scanning reports of lost pets, soliciting tips from the public, and conducting a forensic necropsy (examination) that may determine if the animals suffered or died quickly.

Cook says if it is determined the animals suffered, it may warrant stiffer animal cruelty charges.

“I think it’s really disturbing because most of us are animal lovers and can’t imagine that you would euthanize your pets in this manner, that anyone could shoot their own pet and leave them in a ditch,” she says.

The SPCA searched to find a record on missing pet sites that someone might have reported the dogs missing but say they still have no leads.