The Colwood owners of a dog that was severely injured in an April 1 attack have been charged with animal cruelty and neglect.
Joseph Jansen White, 41, is charged with causing unnecessary pain and suffering to an animal, and failing to provide necessities of life for an animal. His common-law spouse, Elizabeth Sandee Johnston, 32, is charged with failing to provide necessities of life for an animal. They are scheduled to appear in Western Communities provincial court on June 26.
It’s alleged that a young, brindle-coloured, mixed-breed dog was struck repeatedly with a weapon, B.C. SPCA constable Erika Paul said Wednesday.
“The attack happened April 1, and the dog was subsequently surrendered to us on April 2,” Paul said.
The dog, whose name is Bryn, suffered many injuries, including bruising to the right side of her torso and a broken canine tooth, and was experiencing brain injuries that affected her mobility, Paul said. Bryn had a broken front leg, a gash to an armpit and an open head wound.
“Originally, they phoned Victoria Animal Control looking for someone to come and pick up their dog,” she said.
“They provided some details to animal control and animal control promptly contacted us. We followed up and later that evening, [White] surrendered her to us.”
The dog has healed from many of her injuries and one of two dental surgeries. She’s in foster care, where the family describes her as “an absolute doll.”
Bryn is believed to be between three and four years old.
Paul said the case differs from others in that the owners of the injured dog reached out for help.
Once the dog has healed, it will be available for adoption.
