Rascal, a dog owned by Lantzville resident Gary Kenneth Bob, suffered from severe blood loss from thousands of fleas. Rascal was seized by the BC SPCA last year. Photo courtesy BC SPCA.
A penalty has been handed to a Lantzville resident who had his dog seized for a near-fatal flea infestation last year.
The BC SPCA says Gary Kenneth Bob has been banned from owning or having custody of an animal for five years and has been fined $250.
Authorities say the senior terrier-cross named Rascal suffered from severe blood loss due to thousands of fleas when he was taken into SPCA care.
Rascal received blood transfusions to stabilize his condition after losing 85 per cent of his blood.
He was described as being malnourished, weak and barely able to stand.
BC SPCA chief prevention and enforcement officer Marcie Moriarty says the case highlights the need for pet guardians to ensure their pets have proper flea protection.
“This was a severe case, but people should be aware that fleas feed on blood and it can be extremely dangerous for
their pets, Moriarty said in a statement.
The BC SPCA says Rascal was fostered by a couple that had served as volunteers for the organizations Nanaimo branch, and they could not part with the dog when he was ready for adoption.
“Rascal had an amazing life in his new home, despite having some ongoing health issues. He sadly passed away earlier this year from natural causes, but in the final phase of his life he was surrounded by so much love and attention,” Moriarty said.
Rascal received the BC SPCA’s Animal Courage award in May for his “resilience in the face of suffering.”
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