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HAY RIVER
More education and awareness on animal cruelty is needed in Hay River, say representatives of the community's Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), and they have just the case to show why.

One of the group's most recent arrivals, Willow, is a female mutt who was brought in by a concerned citizen on Dec. 3.

The animal was flown to the Great Slave Animal Hospital in Yellowknife where it was discovered she had more than 100 buckshot pellets lodged in her skin, from her front leg to her side. The wounds from the shots had already healed over.

The injuries give her a wobbling limp. The dog was also emaciated and came to the shelter starving.

Hay River SPCA president Lesli Ward said she initially thought the dog might need to be put down, since it looked to have broken bones and was extremely unhealthy.

Ward said the person responsible for the abuse is unknown.

"Cruelty, carelessness and neglect are an unfortunate reality, in this and other cases," she said. "But realistically there is nothing for us to go on because no one has seen it. We just have the X-ray."

The woman who brought the dog to the SPCA didn't want to be named, but said she was disgusted at how malnourished the dog looked on top of its injuries. She said she had seen the dog before and felt compelled to help.

"It brought tears to my eyes, but I know she is being well cared for now. If they can't take care of them, they should give them to someone who can. If you are not willing to have an adult dog, then you shouldn't have one at all," she said.

Earlier this year, the SPCA took in a dog that had outgrown his collar. It had grown into his neck and underneath was exposed, raw flesh.

Another dog had its legs run over by a car.

Ward believes education is needed to keep the pet population under control. Part of that means neutering and spaying animals, a service the SPCA offers to pay for sporadically.

"There is a reason we have this organization and that's one of them," said Ward. "There is no shortage of dogs or cats in this world."

RCMP Cpl. Scott Young said cases, complaints or information about instances of animal cruelty seldom come across his desk. And when they do, it can be tough to investigate certain occurrences because the crime needs a witness and evidence.

"The Criminal Code is quite clear in its definition of cruelty to animals," said Young. "But sometimes anonymous tips can go nowhere and, depending on the circumstances, we might not be able to act. But if at least it's reported, we have an idea that it's happening and have something to go on."

While Ward acknowledged there are many people who lovingly care for their pets, she said there are few repercussions for pet owners who don't.

As for Willow, a veterinarian said that, although the dog's mobility is impaired and she needs to gain weight, she will lead a normal life.

"We are going to try and find her a forever home," said Ward.

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