Handsome, a seven-year old mastiff, was found extremely emaciated, outside, tethered on a heavy chain, surrounded by ice and snow. A bucket of water, frozen over with ice, was nearby, as well as a thin wooden doghouse without insulation or bedding that was surrounded with ice.
“This poor boy was visibly shaking – he’s so thin, his bones are clearly visible, with very little to no body fat the dog is unable to maintain its body heat,” says BC SPCA senior animal protection officer Eileen Drever. “He was rushed to the vet, who found him to be emaciated, with a body condition score of only 1 (out of 9). That is nowhere near healthy for any dog, let alone one who was left outside in extremely cold weather without access to adequate shelter.”
Drever says it is impossible to comprehend how anyone could allow a dog to be chained up, in such frigid winter weather conditions.
“We rescue thousands of animals from heartbreaking situations every year at the SPCA, but cases like this are particularly shocking,” she says.
Such cases can serve as a reminder for pet guardians to ensure they keep their pets safe throughout the winter, Drever notes, by bringing them indoors or, if outside, ensuring they have access to adequate shelter and bedding that is warm and dry, food and water that is not frozen over with ice.
The BC SPCA is investigating and will likely be recommending charges of animal cruelty against Handsome’s former owner.
*Goal includes: surgery, medication, regular health check, and daily care for Handsome until he’s ready for adoption. This page went up just after Handsome's intake so they are rough initial costs that may go up. If his medical costs and cost of care are than the amount raised in his name, additional funds go towards Animal Cruelty Investigations.