A man, aged 36 from Nanaimo, is facing charges of animal abuse after allegedly mistreating a dog under his care. The Nanaimo RCMP reported that the individual was seen physically assaulting a German Shepherd while walking it on a public street in late July.
Following witness reports and the assistance of CCTV footage, law enforcement was able to identify the suspect. The incident gained attention on social media, aiding in the suspect’s eventual location and arrest on August 7. During the arrest, the man apparently attempted to assault an officer, resulting in further charges being brought against him.
Upon the arrest, the police rescued the dog from the suspect’s custody and handed it over to the BCSPCA, who later took custody of the animal. The accused is set to appear in Nanaimo Provincial Court on October 7.