Almost five months after Captain the German shepherd was found in a Vancouver dumpster, bloodied, bruised and crying in pain, the dog's alleged owner has been charged with animal cruelty, says the SPCA.
Brian Whitlock, 26, is scheduled to appear in Vancouver provincial court Friday on the Criminal Code charge of causing unnecessary pain or suffering to an animal, said Lorie Chortyk, a spokeswoman for the British Columbia SPCA.
The dog died July 19, one day after being admitted to care, suffering from cuts and massive bruises to his head and body.
Captain's death prompted protests and even a vigil against animal cruelty at an off-leash dog beach in Vancouver.
Chortyk said they received emails and telephone messages from thou-sands of people across North America outraged by the brutal attack.
"I think we were just very, very relieved and pleased that the charges were finally approved," Chortyk said. "This is a very serious case, and we just really hope that the courts do take it as seriously as we do."
Chortyk said an SPCA constable was called to Vancouver's Kitsilano neighbourhood July 18 after residents, hearing cries escaping from the dumpster, found Captain wrapped in a bloody blanket.
She said the SPCA rushed the barely conscious Captain to emergency veterinary help, and the dog received around-the-clock care.
"His injuries were just too serious and he died of cardiac arrest," said Chortyk, noting follow-up tests showed Captain also suffered from neurological and spinal damage.
