SPCA partners with Cowichan Tribes over Duncan dog’s death

The festering wound was so infected, the dog's head had swollen to nearly three times its normal size, the SPCA said. (BC SPCA)

The death of an abused Duncan dog has triggered a meeting between the SPCA, the Cowichan Tribes and the RCMP.

The three groups have agreed to create an animal welfare bylaw similar to the one adopted in Duncan in 2015.

“It is unfortunate what the poor dog went through, and we hope with greater education on proper treatment, and how to identify and report an animal in need of care, we can prevent cases like this in the future,” said Chief William Seymour.

The SPCA will also bring an education campaign on identifying animals in distress to a variety of Cowichan events.

Teddy was found chained to a fence and in extremely bad shape on Feb. 16.

His death triggered an online petition that gathered more than 100,000 signatures, with people demanding the maximum penalty for Teddy’s owners.

Dozens of people held a vigil for Teddy at the BC Legislature on Sunday.

Teddy’s owners, Anderson Joe and Melissa Tooshely, each face charges of animal cruelty. They are set to make their next court appearance on April 3.