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Pup in tub adopted: Causing distress to an animal

John Bermingham
The Province

Thursday, August 04, 2005

The seven-month-old Rottweiler is running free after being rescued from a Richmond back yard in April.

Acting on a complaint, SPCA animal-protection officers found Jiji stuck inside a plastic container and chained to an anvil.

"The dog couldn't stand in the container, nor could it turn around," senior SPCA officer Eileen Drever said yesterday.

Officers told the owners to remove the puppy from the container and advised them how to give Jiji proper shelter.

"We spent a number of hours with these owners, trying to educate them as to how to take care of the dog," said Drever.

After a neighbour complained that the dog was back inside the container, officers executed a search warrant on the home.

"I don't know if they're slow learners," she said. "The dog could not be kept in the house, and I don't think they wanted it defecating in the back yard. So . . . it's kept in this container."

The puppy was in decent physical condition but poorly socialized and psychologically damaged.

"The dog was quite fearful," said Drever.

Jiji was placed into a foster home with a Vancouver veterinarian, who has now adopted her.

The whole family -- Jiji included -- is currently away on vacation.

Former owners Run Rong Li and Kwai Chan, of the 5600-block Musgrave Avenue, each face one count of causing distress to an animal, under Section 24 of the B.C. Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

If convicted, they face a fine of up to $2,000, up to six months in jail and a lifetime ban from owning animals.

They are scheduled to appear in Richmond Provincial Court Aug. 25.

jbermingham@png.canwest.com
© The Vancouver Province 2005