Tethered dog survives being dragged behind pickup truck in B.C.

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A German shepherd is up for adoption in B.C. after it was severely injured while travelling with its previous owner.

While tethered in the back of a pickup truck the 3-year-old dog named Heidi fell out and was dragged, according to a B.C. SPCA media release issued today, Nov. 29. The SPCA doesn't say where exactly where it happened but the dog is recovering at the SPCA’s animal centre in Nanaimo after more than three weeks at a veterinary hospital.

A witness contacted the RCMP and officers attended the scene to find the owner on the side of the road along with the dog who was in critical distress, the SPCA said. The dog was seized by police and rushed to a veterinary hospital for emergency surgery.

“When I first saw the pictures of Heidi’s injuries, I was shocked,” Eileen Drever, SPCA’s senior officer protection, said in the release. “Her paws and lower leg were worn down to the bone. The physical and psychological pain that this kind of tragic event would cause is unimaginable.”

Riding with an unsecured pet in the back of a pickup is illegal in B.C., however Heidi was tethered in so no laws were necessarily broken. 

“As Heidi’s case shows even tethered transport poses serious risks,” Drever said. “The best and safest way to transport dogs is always inside the vehicle, preferably with a harness made specifically for travelling in a vehicle.”

The SPCA is covering Heidi’s medical bill but are asking for donations, which can be made here.

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