The B.C. SPCA says Robert Carolan of Duncan has been sentenced to four months in jail in the beating death of his 16-week-old mixed-breed puppy. Photo courtesy Times Colonist.
A Duncan man has been handed a four-month jail sentence after the beating death of his 16-week-old puppy.
The BC SPCA announced Robert Carolan is also banned from owning animals for 10 years.
An investigation into the death of Dux, a mixed-breed puppy, found he had suffered blunt force trauma to his head and right rib.
B.C. SPCA chief prevention and enforcement officer Marcie Moriarty said necropsy results found pneumothorax, a trauma-induced condition that prevents an animal’s lungs from fully inflating as the likely cause of death.
SPCA senior animal protection officer Tina Heary said the incident occurred on Valentine’s Day two years ago and Carolan was sentenced earlier this month.
The SPCA says Carolan originally claimed Dux drowned when he stepped outside for a cigarette after placing the puppy in a bathtub.
Moriarty says Carolan could not explain why the puppy was bleeding and had significant injuries.
The necropsy revealed healed fractures on three of Dux’s ribs.
“I think jail time is absolutely warranted in a case this heinous,” Moriarty said.
“It is heart-breaking to think of how much this poor puppy suffered and the terror he would have experienced before succumbing to his injuries.”
Carolan also received a victim surcharge fine of $100 and a three-year period of probation.
Andy Neal
