Kevin Timothy of Chemainus has been charged with animal cruelty following a BC SPCA investigation.

The took custody of a one-year-old female German Shepherd in critical condition in early May. The dog, named Hope, was suffering from emaciation, dehydration, extreme muscle wasting and a deep, severe neck wound.

sa国际传媒淗ope had been abandoned in the woods, tied to a tree with a plastic and wire cable,sa国际传媒� stated Marcie Moriarty, chief prevention and enforcement officer for the BC SPCA, in a press release. sa国际传媒淭he cable was tied so tightly that her face was pressed to the tree and she could not lay down or move. The wire was deeply embedded into her neck, causing such a massive wound that her jugular vein and trachea were exposed.sa国际传媒�

Moriarty added Hopesa国际传媒檚 body was so badly infected by the injury that her head was severely swollen and the gaping wound was filled with maggots. She was delirious and too weak to walk when found.

sa国际传媒淚t is a miracle that this poor dog survived,sa国际传媒� Moriarty indicated. sa国际传媒淪he was rushed to a veterinary clinic in Duncan to be stabilized, then transferred to a specialized emergency clinic in Victoria, where she received around-the-clock life-saving treatment.sa国际传媒�

Following multiple surgeries and months of treatment and care, Hope was adopted by one of her caregivers at the veterinary hospital. She is happy and healthy in her new loving home.

Timothy faces up to two years in jail, a maximum $75,000 fine and up to a lifetime ban on owning animals if convicted.

The BC SPCA investigates more than 8,000 cases of animal cruelty every year. All costs are funded by community donations.