Golden retriever needed surgery to remove embedded chain from neck: B.C. SPCA

The B.C. SPCA shared these photos of a golden retriever rescued from a property near Prince George.

The B.C. SPCA will be recommending animal cruelty charges in a “deeply concerning” case where a golden retriever required surgery to remove a chain that had become embedded in her neck.

The organization received a complaint earlier this month and found the four-year-old dog tethered with a heavy, metal chain on a remote property in Prince George, according to a statement posted online Friday.

The owner surrendered the dog, who has now been named Birdie, and animal protection officers took the pup to receive emergency veterinary care.

“When she was shaved for the surgery, it was discovered that her injuries were even more severe than imagined,” said Jennifer Coghill, animal care specialist, in the statement.

“The heavy chain including parts of the carabiner which was used to tether Birdie was found to have burrowed deeply into her raw inflamed flesh, which would have severely and painfully restricted this poor dog’s movement.”

The dog needed 14 stitches to close the infected wound and was given medication to help with pain and to fend off future infection.

“This is a deeply concerning case,” said Alex Schare, regional manager, animal protection services. “The worst part is knowing that the pain this dog endured was completely preventable.”

Despite her ordeal, staff at the animal welfare charity say Birdie is an affectionate and intelligent dog who has already learned how to obey commands and enjoys hot dogs and snuggles.

Birdie was transferred to an SPCA location in the Interior, where she became eligible for adoption this weekend.