Crown counsel has approved numerous charges of animal cruelty against Delta dogwalker Emma Paulsen.
The BC SPCA filed a report recommending the charges against Paulsen in May after six dogs died in her care.
Paulsen initially reported the dogs stolen from the Brookswood off-leash dog park in Langley on May 13, sparking a huge community search for the missing animals.
But nearly a week later she admitted that the dogs had died of heat exhaustion after she left them in her vehicle on a hot day. It is believed that took place in Richmond.
Langley RCMP met with Paulsen and she led them to a ditch in Abbotsford where all six dogs were dumped. Of the six dogs that died, one was her ex-husband's and children's border collie.
The SPCA had a necropsy done on each dog and it confirmed the canines died of heat exhaustion.
Paulsen has been charged with animal cruelty and neglect under both the Criminal Code and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
“Every charge that we recommended – and really, every possible animal cruelty-related charge that she could have faced – has been approved,” said Marcie Moriarty, SPCA chief prevention and enforcement officer. “We could not be more pleased.”
Paulsen faces six charges including killing an animal, causing unnecessary suffering, pain or injury, neglecting to provide adequate food, water or shelter, failing to protect and animal from circumstances that are likely to cause distress, causing or permitting distress and intent to mislead police in an investigation. Paulsen faces a maximum fine of $75,000, up to five years in jail and a ban of owning or having custody of animals for a period of time determined by the judge.
The BC SPCA investigates nearly 8,000 complaints of animal abuse and neglect each year and is funded by community donations.