A starving dog rescued from Burnsville
The New Brunswick SPCA (NBSPCA) Animal Protection Officer received a call from a law enforcement agency on January 2, 2021, about a weak and skinny dog in Burnsville, New Brunswick. The Officer saw a highly emaciated dog tied to a tree with its ribs and spine clearly visible and seized it from its owner, Mr. Pinet. In light of the dog’s frail condition, the Officers promptly took the dog to a veterinary clinic for examination. After evaluating the dog thoroughly, the veterinarian gave the dog a Body Condition Score of 1.5÷5 and prescribed a rehabilitation plan to ensure recovery.
The Officers took the dog to an animal shelter for rehabilitation and worked with the shelter to develop a carefully monitored refeeding program. In a week, the dog gained 5.2 pounds and displayed notable improvements in his appearance and activity level. Within a month the dog added 15.8 pounds looking healthy and bright with a sparkle in his eyes, ready for a new life full of adventure.
As a result of NBSPCA’s investigation, charges were laid on Mr. Pinet for failing to provide adequate food and water to the dog, and on June 15, 2021, he made his initial court appearance in Caraquet Provincial Court. Eventually, on April 21, 2023, the court sentenced Mr. Pinet to eight months of probation and prohibited him from owning animals for a period of five years. He was fined $500 and also ordered to pay $185 to cover the expenses incurred by the shelter.
The NBSPCA works in partnership with several stakeholders such as New Brunswick’s law enforcement agencies, animal shelters, veterinarians, and most importantly You to help animals live long and healthy lives.
If you suspect or witness animal cruelty or neglect, please call the New Brunswick SPCA 24⁄7 hotline at 1−877−722−1522. Thank you for doing your part to protect and give these defenceless animals a voice.
About New Brunswick SPCA
Founded in 1881, New Brunswick SPCA (NBSCPA) is the only province-wide organization mandated to enforce animal protection laws. A dedicated team of 15 Animal Protection Officers is vested with the authority under the SPCA Act of New Brunswick to investigate and, if necessary, lay charges, seize animals, or issue orders to persons suspected of abuse and cruelty to animals.
The NBSPCA is a registered charity that exists to provide province-wide leadership in the humane treatment of animals. We enforce relevant legislation, ensure shelter for neglected or abused domesticated animals and agricultural animals, and provide public education and advocacy to empower New Brunswickers to help animals live long and healthy lives.
To learn more visit nbspca.ca
