Canadians step up to help Maritime puppy in need

Jackson was in rough shape when he was dropped off at a veterinary hospital in Riverview, N.B. a few weeks ago.

A terrible case of animal abuse has people angry in Riverview, N.B. but it’s the response from people across the country that has the SPCA talking about generousity.

A few weeks ago, a four-month-old Shepherd mix named Jackson was dropped off at a veterinary hospital in Riverview.

Jackson was in rough shape when he arrived at the hospital, most likely due to animal abuse.

“Pretty severe injuries of his hind legs, hips and rib area,” says veterinarian Dr. Francis Arsenault.

“He had one leg that was about three times the size with swelling.”

The X-rays, treatments and surgeries necessary for Jackson to make a full recovery will cost about $3,000, and that’s just for the basics.

To cover the expenses, the Moncton SPCA put out a call for help on Facebook , and officials say the response has been incredible.

“His future is extremely bright, due to the kindness and generousity of the people all across this country,” says Karen Nelson of the Greater Moncton SPCA.

As of Friday afternoon, Canadians from coast-to-coast had donated $20,000.

Some of the funds raised came from a joint fundraiser between a bacon supplier and a local radio station.

“The bacon sold out in three minutes and we went through the entire pallet,” says Paul Tomas, who works in radio promotions. “That is 900 packs of bacon and it raised close to $2,000.”

Individuals stepped up to the cause as well.

Charles LeBlanc brought in a personal donation, as well as the Moncton Fire Department’s sniffer dog, Magic, who came for a play date with Jackson.

LeBlanc says Jackson’s story has inspired many.

“The community, as a whole, is pulling together and collecting a lot of funds in order for him to be brought back and be healthy,” says LeBlanc.

Nicole Thebeau rescues animals she feels are being abused in Kent County.

If she sees an animal being neglected, she will simply go onto a property and take it, earning her some loyal fans and vocal detractors for her style.

Thebeau says animal cruelty laws and the enforcement of them need to improve.

“The protocols that the SPCA follows and the RCMP and all those people follow, there is just not enough being done,” says Thebeau.

Codiac RCMP say the results from an ongoing joint investigation with the SPCA will determine if charges will apply.

In the meantime, Jackson is scheduled for his first surgery Monday and other possible surgeries will be assessed at that time.

With files from CTV Atlantic's David Bell