A Lantzville man has been banned from owning an animal for five years after his terrier-cross dog suffered a near-fatal flea infestation.
According to an SPCA news release, the dog, named Rascal, had blood loss due to thousands of flea bites when he was seized by B.C. SPCA special constables in 2017. The dog was also malnourished, weak and barely able to stand.
“Poor Rascal had lost approximately 85 per cent of his blood and his emaciated body was so anemic that he needed immediate blood transfusions and other medical attention to save his life,” said Marcie Moriarty, the B.C. SPCA’s chief prevention officer.
Rascal was fostered and then adopted by two Nanaimo SPCA volunteers.
“Rascal had an amazing life in his new home, despite having some ongoing health issues,” Moriarty said. “He sadly passed away earlier this year from natural causes, but in the final phase of his life he was surrounded by so much love and attention.”
Gary Kenneth Bob of Lantzville has been banned from owning or having custody of an animal for five years. He was also fined $250.
