Heidi, a three and a half year old German shepherd continues her recovery after falling out of and being dragged behind a truck. (submitted photo/BC SPCA)

By Alex Rawnsley

SECURE YOUR PETS

Dog recovering from serious injuries in Nanaimo after being dragged behind a truck

Nov 29, 2022 | 9:06 AM

Editor’s Note: This story contains graphic details and images. Discretion is advised.

NANAIMO — A young German shepherd is recovering under the care of SPCA techs after suffering traumatic injuries.

Heidi, a three and a half year old German shepherd dog was travelling in the back of a truck through Duncan when she fell out of the vehicle on Oct. 9 and was dragged behind it by her tether.

Eileen Drever, the BC SPCA’s senior officer of protection, told NanaimoNewsNOW despite Heidi being tethered, she was not secured to the truck in a manner which pets should be.

“She had been dragged for some time and her bones were exposed. I can’t imagine the physical trauma this dog went through. It took a lot of care changing bandages daily.”

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Drever confirmed the incident took place on the central Island, but couldn’t confirm where due to ongoing court proceedings against the driver.

Heidi’s owner stopped the vehicle and a witness found them on the side of the road and alerted RCMP.

Heidi suffered graphic injuries to her body after falling out of a truck. (submitted photo/BC SPCA)

Officers seized the dog and took her to a local vet hospital where she underwent surgery then stayed in care for nearly a month.

“Psychologically as well, this has been such a traumatic event for any animal to endure,” Drever added.

After being discharged from hospital, Heidi was transferred to the BC SPCA centre in Nanaimo and is scheduled to be available for adoption in mid-December.

Amir-Seyed Jozi is facing charges of killing or injuring an animal, and causing injury to animals being conveyed.

He is due in court in Duncan in early December.

Jozi’s prior court history includes a couple of minor traffic-related offences between 2006 and 2009 including driving uninsured and driving a motor vehicle without due care and attention.

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