A brutal attack on a family pet has led to charges of animal cruelty against a Cumberland man, following a BC SPCA investigation.
Lee Wood has been charged under the Criminal Code of Canada after allegedly hitting the dog, a black female shih tzu named Treasure, with such force that the dog had to be euthanized because of the severity of her injuries.
Treasure, who was owned by Wood’s mother, suffered severe blunt force trauma and sustained fractures and hemorrhaging to the skull and neck in the attack on June 9.
“It is heartbreaking to think of the pain and terror this poor dog must have experienced,” said BC SPCA senior animal protection officer Tina Heary. “While her life could not be saved, it is important that we seek justice for her and send a strong message that this type of violence against animals is not acceptable in our society.”
Wood’s next court appearance is Sept. 10, 2015, in Courtenay. If convicted, he faces a maximum fine of $10,000, a jail term and a potential lifetime ban on owning animals.
A shi tzu is a “toy” dog breed that typically grows to about 10 inches in height and less than 15 pounds.