A Maple Ridge couple faces animal cruelty charges for allegedly failing to seek treatment for their dog whose dental problems eventually lead to the loss of 14 teeth.
Stacia Hicks and Scott Rippon were charged last week with one count each of causing an animal to continue to be in distress and causing unnecessary pain and suffering to an animal, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
Pudding, a small black mixed terrier, came to the attention of the Maple Ridge SPCA last July after it was found running on a road.
The shelter managed to locate Pudding’s owners and returned her to them, along with an order to treat the dog for serious periodontal disease.
Staff checked on the dog sometime later, but found her owners had failed to seek treatment.
After trying to work with the owners, SPCA staff eventually seized Pudding from the couple.
“When we took Pudding to the vet, it was very clear that this dog was suffering,” said Marcie Moriarty, general manager of cruelty investigations for the B.C. SPCA.
The vet diagnosed Pudding with Stage 4 periodontal disease and removed 14 of her teeth.
“She was in a lot of pain,” said Moriarty, adding that the SPCA is sympathetic to the fact that veterinary treatment can cost money.
“In this particular case, the animal owners refused to take responsibility and refused to provide the very necessary veterinary care for Pudding. As a result, they are being charged with animal cruelty, as they should be.”
If convicted under the Act, Hicks and her co-accused, Rippon, could face a ban on owning animals, a maximum fine of $5,000 or six months in jail.
Police pick up pusher
Ridge Meadows RCMP are recommending charges of possession of controlled drugs for the purpose of trafficking against a 31-year-old Maple Ridge man. The RCMP’s Street Enforcement Unit spotted the man taking part in what members believe was an illegal drug deal.
The vehicle the man was driving was stopped on 203rd Street in Maple Ridge and the suspect was taken into custody.
A quantity of prescription medications, predominantly oxycodone, was seized, along with money that police are linking to being proceeds of trafficking. The suspect was later released on a promise to appear in court on a later date.