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A Langley dog walker has been charged with animal cruelty after six dogs allegedly died of heat exhaustion last May while in her care.
Marcie Moriarty with the BC-SPCA says Paulsen is facing five animal cruelty charges, and one of public mischief.
“She’s been charged with three separate sections under the Criminal Code. One pertaining to killing of an animal, one pertaining to causing unnecessary suffering and pain, and another failing to provide adequate care.”
She says the charges mark a first for BC.
“Basically, this is precedent setting in terms of the charges. To my knowledge, no one in BC has yet to be charged under a offense associated with failing to protect an animal from circumstances that are likely to cause the stress.”
The BC-SPCA recommended the charges months ago after gathering enough evidence.
“These cases take time if you do it right. We feel that has happened in this case,” Moriarty says.
Paulsen initially reported the dogs had been stolen from the back of her pickup truck while she was using the washroom at a Langley dog park.
The dogs were then found in a ditch in Abbotsford.
With these charges, Moriarty is reiterating that leaving pets unattended in vehicles in sweltering conditions should never happen.
“It boggles my mind. I’m sick and tired of telling people not to do this,” Moriarty pleads, “it should be evident to anyone who has sat in a car in the last month, it’s hot out there, please, please don’t do it”
Agencies/Canadajournal
