Delta Optimist, May 12, 2004
A Ladner man charged with the beating of a Dalmatian four months ago made his first appearance in Surrey provincial court last Tuesday.Brent Bowling is charged under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.On Jan. 7, a local resident spotted a disoriented dog wandering near the Fraser River. An animal control officer from the Delta SPCA responded and rushed the seven-year-old Dalmatian to a veterinary hospital. The dog had a large laceration on the top of its head and its skull was cracked open.SPCA officials believe the dog was beaten with an object and dumped in the Fraser River 10 days before it was found.
"We received an amazing response. It was phenomenal," she said."I just can't extend my thank you to everybody enough. This community is just so generous, and it's just so great to see so many people concerned about the welfare of animals.
"Donations also came from other areas of the province and from the U.S.Roanie, who still sports a large dent in his skull, is now a "happy-go-lucky" dog and is no longer fearful, said Rodgers. The SPCA has also received an overwhelming response of potential new homes.
Staff are currently sifting through a stack of 50 applications."We have many people who are interested in adopting him," said Rodgers. "We're just trying to find the most suitable home for him right now."
Bowling will next appear in court June 9.In April 2001, Bowling suffered severe head injuries following a motorcycle accident in Surrey.Bowling and a companion were riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle when a collision with a car sent Bowling flying into a nearby ditch. His motorcycle landed on top of him.