Jace was taken in by the BC SPCA after an animal protection officer saw him in dangerous conditions at a Nanaimo property earlier this month. (submitted photo/BC SPCA)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

swift rescue

Emaciated dog rescued by Nanaimo SPCA after being found ‘barely able to walk’

Feb 21, 2025 | 10:03 AM

NANAIMO — A young mastiff dog is now under the care of the Nanaimo and District SPCA after being rescued from a local property.

The SPCA reports an animal protection officer seized the dog from a property in the city after reports were made indicating the dog was living in deplorable conditions.

BC SPCA spokesperson Eileen Drever told NanaimoNewsNOW the officer arrived and found Jace in bad shape.

“He was attached to a dog house by a heavy, rusty chain. There was no food, no water available, and the dog house didn’t have any bedding. It was wet in there, and he was living among garbage. The officer noted that when, when he was that when he was trying to walk, he was a bit wobbly, and he was limping, and there was a strong, foul odour, emanating from him.”

Jace showed clear signs of neglect, including lacking substantial muscle mass. (submitted photo/BC SPCA)

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With sub-zero conditions expected in Nanaimo over the coming days, the officer made the decision to seize Jace out of concerns he may not have survived the night, according to Drever.

Upon treatment at a nearby animal hospital, Jace was found to be suffering from muscle loss, had limited vision and a thin, irritated coat.

There were visible pressure sores on his pelvis, as well as crusty ear tips.

Drever added when Jace was taken into care, he was very trusting but disoriented due to his limited vision.

“This is one of the worst cases of a dog being emaciated in my 45 years, as a professional, we try to keep emotions out of this, but looking at these pictures, it’s hard not to get emotional, it’s hard not to get angry.”

She added it’s unknown how long Jace had been living in those conditions, but an investigation into the situation is ongoing.

Drever said maximum penalties include a $75,000 fine, and/or two years in jail, and/or a life-time prohibition of owning animals, however Drever admitted in her 45 years working in animal protection, she’d never seen the full penalties levied against an animal owner.

Since his change in surroundings, Jace is gaining weight and his prospects continue to improve.

Jace will be ready for adoption once he fully recovers, which will include a full dental exam under general anesthesia while he is neutered.

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