A Pitt Meadows man who had seven pet Pekinese dogs die in a span of two years was banned for life from owning animals Friday after pleading guilty to cruelty charges.
David Chun Hei Chan admitted to criminal code charges of causing unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to animal, to avoid a trial.
"My two lovely puppies were gone forever and legal aid would not help me to seek any compensation," said the 60-year-old.
"I accepted the guilty plea option so I can move on."
Between April 2008 and February 2010, four Pekinese dogs died in Chan's care, while another three were euthanized as a result of injuries.
In an affidavit filed in New Westminster Supreme Court, Chan explained how the Pekinese he owned met their demise in a span of 23 months.
Teddy had a bulging cornea and hemorrhages in both his eyes. As a result, Chan wrote, he requested that Teddy be put down.
Sugar, euthanized after sustaining a fracture to her spine, Chan believed was hit by a car.
Taffy was already dead when Chan took her to the vet. Chan wrote in the affidavit: "Taffy fell outside and there is nothing I can say about that."
Cecil, who was described as lethargic and anorexic in a vet report, died in her sleep. Chan told the SPCA he believed she choked to death.
Chan claimed Sunny was hit by the cover of a flush tank after a train rumbling past shook it out of place.
Bosco was euthanized in February 2010 after being taken to the vet with a fractured hip and knee. The same month, Bo also passed away.
"During our investigation we discovered that Chan had taken 11 Pekingese dogs to three different clinics on numerous occasions between 2008 and 2010, all suffering from suspicious injuries and ailments,” said Marcie Moriarty, general manager of cruelty investigations for the B.C. SPCA. “Some of the dogs were already deceased from their injuries when he brought them to the clinics, others were suffering from burns, deep cuts, hemorrhages, ulcerated lesions, inflamed ears and eyes, serious fractures and malnutrition.”
The SPCA also seized two other Pekinese dogs from him.
"There is obviously a troubling history with Mr. Chan and his animals and we are very pleased that the courts have taken this case very seriously,” said Moriarty.
In addition to the lifetime ban on owning or having custody of animals, Chan was given a one-year probation, required to perform 70 hours of community service and must attend court-mandated counselling.