Animal Advocates Watchdog

SPCA boasts of rehoming sled dogs it seized in 2008

April 17, 2008. For immediate release. Charges of animal cruelty have been laid against Christinus Camping after the BC SPCA seized 25 emaciated husky-type dogs from a rural property near Likely, B.C. last October. The SPCA also seized nine newborn puppies and four cats during the execution of the warrant. This is the fourth animal cruelty charge Crown counsel has laid against Camping as a result of BC SPCA investigations in recent years.

"It is incredibly frustrating to deal with an individual like this," says Marcie Moriarty, general manager of cruelty investigations for the BC SPCA. "We have rescued nearly 200 badly neglected dogs from his custody, yet he continues to purchase and keep dogs in the same condition." Moriarty says she is hopeful that as each case goes before the courts, the penalties will increase in light of Camping's repeat offenses. "Ideally we are seeking a lifetime ban on owning animals so that he cannot subject more animals to this type of cruelty and neglect." Camping was convicted in December 2007 in the first of four cases and received a $1,000 fine and a five-year ban on owning animals.

Moriarty notes that stronger new animal cruelty legislation passed last month by the B.C. government will also result in repeat offenders paying fines of up to $10,000 per case instead of the previous $2,000.

In addition to being emaciated, the dogs rescued from Camping's custody were suffering from spinal injuries, severely overgrown nails, skin lesions and infections. According to the attending vet, the animals would not have survived the winter without the SPCA's intervention. The dogs were taken to the BC SPCA branch in Vernon, where they received ongoing care and rehabilitation. Most have since been adopted into new homes, along with nine more puppies who were born at the shelter following the seizure. "Unfortunately when dogs are chained and isolated for long periods of time they can become very frightened of human beings and develop maladaptive behaviours such as self-mutilation, chewing and repetitive pacing," says Const. Debbie Goodine, who led the investigation. "These poor dogs were suffering from a range of psychological problems as well as their physical distress.

Camping makes his first court appearance in Williams Lake on Dec. 8, 2008, facing two counts of animal cruelty under the Criminal Code of Canada and one count under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

- 30 -

For further information: Debbie Goodine, BC SPCA Animal Protection Officer, 250-962-8185; Marcie Moriary, General Manager, Cruelty Investigations department, BC SPCA; Lorie Chortyk, General Manager, Community Relations, BC SPCA, 604-647-1316.

Messages In This Thread

Killer says he asked SPCA for help twice *LINK*
SPCA says dogs can't be rehomed
SPCA boasts of rehoming sled dogs it seized in 2008
How many of Camping's dogs did the SPCA actually kill?
What an easy way out for the SPCA... *LINK*
SPCA asked to investigate former Howling Dogs' owner in 2009
Sled dogs not being neglected: vet
Faint praise: Sled dog veterinarians "may or may not be corrupt" *LINK*
Gotta love how convinient that is!

Share