P.E.I. man fined after malnourished, deformed dog seized, euthanized

A Charlottetown man was fined $200 and banned from owning any animals for five yearsafter his malnourished and deformed dogwas seized by the PEIHumane Society and euthanized.

Robert James Vey, 29, was sentenced WednesdayinP.E.I. provincial court after pleading guilty to causing unnecessary pain to his dog, Cruz, under the Companion Animal Protection Act.

Cruz, a one-year-old male American bulldog mix, was seized after the humane society got a report from a veterinary clinic wherethe dog had been brought for treatment on Sept. 29, 2016, court heard.

The society took the dog to the Atlantic Veterinary College to be examined. According to the society, Cruz was found to have severe malnutrition,angular limb deformities and was not able to lift his hind legs or walk.

'A difficult decision'

The evaluation by the collegedetermined that even if Cruzwas to recover from the malnutrition, he would need several surgeries, and still might never be able to walk again, according to the society.

"After continued monitoring and supportive care, a difficult decision was made to humanely euthanizeCruz," the society said in a release.

MikeGilbertson, anAnimal Protection Officer with thePEI Humane Society said it was his understanding thatthe owner had limited financial means, both for himself and for the dog, and had not been feeding the dog enough food.

The court also ordered Vey to pay restitution of close to $700 to the P.E.I. Humane Society to cover its medical costs. Vey will be onprobation for a year.

Help out there

Gilbertson said the humane society is there to help in those situations.

"One message we'd like to get across is that if folks do find themselves in that predicament if they're struggling financially dealing with animals, or they've got too many animals we would encourage them to reach out to us. We can provide some assistance."

He added local food banks often have food available for dogs and cats for those who can't afford it.

"So, again, part of the message is that there is help out there for people and we really encourage people to reach out for that help before we get into these sorts of extreme situations."

Gilbertson said another option issurrendering the dog to the humane society so the dog can be looked after and possiblyre-homed.

• MORE P.E.I. NEWS |'It's about changing the future': Adventure Group celebrates 25 years of helping youth
• MORE P.E.I. NEWS |P.E.I. manufacturing sales fade after strong 2017 start