CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. - A Dunstaffnage man whose dog had to be euthanized after it was found bleeding from tumours was fined $500 Thursday and ordered not to own a companion animal for the next year.
William Sheldon Wheatley, 63, appeared before Judge John Douglas in provincial court in Charlottetown where he was sentenced for a violation of the Animal Welfare Act.
The court heard that on May 19, 2017, someone found Wheatley’s dog where it was bleeding from its leg and belly.
The person who found the dog bandaged it and took it to the Atlantic Veterinary College.
It was treated at the vet college for mammary tumours, but the dog’s bandages had to be changed every two hours, it was anemic and the bleeding wouldn’t stop.
Eventually the dog was euthanized.
A veterinary report showed the dog had health problems, including skin, ear and odor problems.
Defence lawyer Ewan Clark told the court it was a sad and unfortunate situation.
Wheatley felt guilty and responsible for what happened, he said.
Clark told the court the dog was 13 and Wheatley got it from one of his children.
The court heard the dog would get out of Wheatley’s yard despite his efforts, which included installing an invisible fence.
Clark said the dog had been gone for about a week, but had veterinary treatment about six months earlier.
He also said Wheatley was sorry he wasn’t aware of the dog’s condition earlier.
Along with the fine, Wheatley must pay $142.12 to the P.E.I. Humane Society and will be on provincial probation for one year, which includes the condition he not own any companion animals during that time.
