TRANSPORTING UNSECURED DOG LEADS TO AMPUTATION

A young dog whose leg has been amputated is serving as a reminder to drivers to keep their pets secured inside their vehicles.

Seven-month-old Chilli fell out of the back of a pickup truck. She was surrendered to the SPCA’s Williams Lake branch and immediately rushed to the vet.

He front leg was torn at the shoulder under her chest and down the inside of her front leg. The muscles from her chest to her shoulder were severed. Her skin was torn off of the tissue from her upper forearm to her armpit and she had numerous severed arteries.

“Chilli had such deep wounds all along her leg that the limb was beyond repair and she required an emergency amputation to save her life,” said BC SPCA Williams Lake and District branch manager Liz Dighton.

Transporting an unsecured pet in the back of a pickup truck is a violation of both the Motor Vehicle Act and the B.C. Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

If a pet must be transported in the back of a truck, the safest method is to keep them inside a secured crate in the centre of the truck box.

Chilli’s emergency amputation surgery, follow up examinations, physiotherapy and daily care is expected to reach $4,230. She will need at least three weeks in SPCA care before she is ready to be adopted.

“This young lady is super-friendly and sweet,” said Dighton. “She enjoys cuddles and is so careful to be gentle when around people. We really hope that people are able to donate towards her emergency surgery.”

If you can help this puppy, visit spca.bc.ca/ medical emergency or visit the branch at 709 Bond Lake Road, Williams Lake, 250-392-2179.