B.C. man charged with animal cruelty after dog nearly dies of fleas

B.C. man charged with animal cruelty after dog nearly dies of fleas | iNFOnews.ca
Rascal the dog is shown with a BC SPCA volunteer in a handout photo. The owner of a dog who nearly died from a massive flea infestation earlier this year, has been charged with one count of animal cruelty under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-BCSPCA

VANCOUVER – An advocacy group says an animal cruelty charge has been laid against a British Columbia man after a dog nearly died of a serious flea infestation.

The BC SPCA says in a release that an older terrier named Rascal was rushed to an animal hospital on Vancouver Island earlier this year after losing about 85 per cent of his blood to fleas.

Animal protection officer Tina Heary says the dog was "literally dying from fleas" when he came into the group's care.

Heary says people know fleas can cause itchy skin and irritation, but don't always realize the insects feast on blood.

The SPCA says Rascal recovered after receiving life-saving blood transfusions and is now thriving in a new home.

It says Gary Bob of Lantzville has been charged with one count of animal cruelty under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

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Howard Alexander

Assistant Editor Howard Alexander comes to iNFOnews.ca from the broadcasting side of the media business.

Howard has been a reporter, news anchor, talk show host and news director, first in Saskatchewan and then the Okanagan.

He moved his family to Vernon in the 90s and is proud to call the Okanagan home.

If you have an event to share contact Howard at 250-309-5343or email halexander@infonews.ca.

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