Campbell River Mirror
Suspected puppy-killer turns himself in

By Grant Warkentin - Campbell River Mirror

Published: September 15, 2008 11:00 AM
Updated: September 16, 2008 10:06 AM
A man suspected of killing a puppy on Quadra Island has turned himself in to police.

On Sept. 15 Cody Wellard, 31, turned himself in at the Westshore RCMP detachment near Victoria.

"Mr. Wellard stated this was an accident, but declined to provide police with a formal statement when turning himself in or to provide any other details surrounding this incident and those involved," said Quadra Island RCMP Cpl. Craig Peterson in a news release.

On Saturday, at about 9:30 a.m. Nick Rose and his son Max (according to CBC reports) were cutting wood in a partially wooded area near their residence when two hunters walked by along the road.

"From the residence, a Jack Russell puppy approached the two hunters on the side of the road near the driveway. At this time a firearm was discharged, killing the puppy," Peterson said.

Rose told CBC the puppy was a pet for 12-year-old Max, who recently battled cancer.

"We called him, and he wouldn't come, wouldn't come, and the hunters kept walking, and they had just gotten out of sight, maybe 50 yards away, and boom — shotgun rang out," he said.

Quadra Island RCMP were able to identify Wellard from witness statements but are still trying to identify the other hunter involved in the incident.

Wellard was released from custody on a promise to appear in court in Campbell River on Oct. 13.

Police are seeking criminal charges of Dangerous Use of a Firearm and Endangering an Animal.

Quadra Island is across the Discovery Passage from Campbell River, which is on Vancouver Island.

http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_north/campbellrivermirror/news/28415599.html