Arrest made after social media video shows man throwing puppy

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This article was published 26/07/2016 (2824 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

An 18-year-old man from Easterville has been arrested as a suspect in an animal cruelty investigation of a German Shepherd puppy, RCMP said in a press release Wednesday.

On Tuesday, July 26, Chemawawin RCMP began an investigation into a video shared on social media depicting a suspect throwing a puppy in the air and letting it hit the ground, police said. The suspect then walks away.

Officers were able to determine the offence took place in Easterville, Man., and made an arrest Wednesday morning.

According to Manitoba Underdogs Rescue, the puppy was rushed the group’s care Tuesday night and was expected to receive emergency veterinary care. At the time of the group’s Tuesday press release, her injuries were undiagnosed but she was paralyzed and unable to walk.

“This video is beyond disgusting,” said Manitoba Underdogs Rescue executive director Jessica Hansen in a press release. “We have no idea the extent of her injuries at this point but we had to help her.”

“There is no excuse for any living thing to endure that kind of horror,” she went on. “We are hoping and praying that our talented veterinary partners will be able to help.”

The group named the puppy Asha, which Hansen said means ‘hope’ in Sanskrit.

“We felt that it was such a fitting name for this poor pup,” she said.

Manitoba Underdogs Rescue is asking donors to step forward to help cover Asha’s veterinary care, Hansen said.

“We need their help to provide hope to this girl,” she said.

RCMP said the man has not been charged and remains in custody. Investigators are thanking the public for bringing the matter to police attention.

The investigation is ongoing, and police said further details will be released as they become available.