Nanaimo man charged with animal abuse

A 36-year-old man from Nanaimo has been charged with animal abuse for allegedly kicking and punching a dog that was in his care.

The Nanaimo RCMP says that the suspect was observed beating a German Shepard while walking it along a public street on July 29 this year.

Since witnesses contacted the police, and information and images from nearby CCTV cameras were shared with officers, police were able to identify the suspect.

“The incident was also shared on social media and garnered significant interest from the public, which assisted investigators in locating the suspect,” said RCMP Media Relations Officer Gary O’Brien in a statement.

A few days later, on August 7, police located and arrested the man.

“While being arrested, the accused allegedly attempted to assault an officer, which led to additional charges being laid,” said O’Brien.

Police say officers seized the animal, which was in the suspect’s care at the time of his arrest, and handed it over to the BCSPCA.

The dog was later forfeited to their care.

The accused is scheduled to make an appearance in Nanaimo Provincial Court on Tuesday, Oct. 7.