Puppy’s plight highlights dangers of transporting dogs unsecured in pickup trucks

The BC SPCA’s Williams Lake Branch needs your help to cover medical costs for a puppy called Chilli, who suffered horrific injuries from falling out of the back of a truck. Chilli was surrendered to the SPCA, and she was immediately rushed to the vet.

Chilli’s front leg was torn at the shoulder under her chest and down the inside of her front leg. The muscles from her chest to her shoulder were severed. Her skin was torn off of the tissue from her upper forearm to her armpit and she had numerous severed arteries. “Chilli had such deep wounds all along her leg that the limb was beyond repair and she required an emergency amputation to save her life,” says BC SPCA Williams Lake & District Branch manager Liz Dighton.

This poor seven-month-old German Shepherd puppy is recovering from her surgery but her suffering serves as a reminder to travel with pets secured inside the vehicle.

It is illegal to transport an unsecured pet in the back of a pickup truck under Section 72 of the B.C. Motor Vehicle Act and Section 9.3 of the B.C. Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. If a pet must be transported in the back of a truck, the safest method is to keep them inside a secured crate in the centre of the truck box.

Chilli’s emergency amputation surgery, follow-up examinations, physiotherapy and daily care is expected to reach $4,230. She will need at least three weeks in SPCA care before she is ready to be adopted. “This young lady is super-friendly and sweet,” says Dighton. “She enjoys cuddles and is so careful to be gentle when around people. We really hope that people are able to donate towards her emergency surgery.”

If you can help this puppy and other animals in need at the Williams Lake & District SPCA, visit spca.bc.ca/medicalemergency or visit the branch at 709 Bond Lake Road, Williams Lake, 250.392.2179.