34 Sled Dogs Seized in British Columbia (POSS GRAPHIC PHOTO)

[lakotasong]

Some people might view this photo as "graphic" since the dog is pretty emaciated, so I put the warning on...

This seizure happened a little bit earlier this year, but this guy's first court date is coming up soon (June 12th) and I just came across the article yesterday.

Charges of animal cruelty have been laid against Tumbler Ridge resident Stacey Lajeunesse following a large-scale BC SPCA investigation involving badly-neglected husky dogs last November. SPCA constables removed 34 sick and malnourished dogs - 23 puppies and 11 adults - from Lajeunesse’s rural property after he failed to provide proper care for the animals.

BC SPCA Const. Debbie Goodine says there was no evidence of food for the animals when SPCA officials entered the property. “The adult dogs were extremely emaciated. The puppies were also in very poor body condition and were suffering from internal parasites.”

She adds that the dogs were entangled in heavy chains and there was evidence of psychological distress, such as ground wear from repetitive pacing. Lajeunesse voluntarily surrendered custody of the animals to the SPCA during the investigation.

The animals received ongoing care and veterinarian treatment at the North Cariboo SPCA shelter in Prince George and many have since been adopted into loving homes.

Lajeunesse is facing two counts of animal cruelty under the Criminal Code of Canada and one count under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. He makes his first court appearance on June 12, 2008.

According to media reports, Lajeunesse was the organizer for the The Northern Dog Mushers Association of Tumbler Ridge’s 4th annual dogsled races in March 2008.

source: Tumbler Ridge News + PetAbuse.com