Trooper is living up to his name.
The two-year-old husky cross was dragged behind a pickup truck for about three kilometres in early February, and his front right leg, face, torso and hind leg all bear ugly wounds and abrasions.
But Trooper is showing a will to live and is expected to recover, said Humane Society Yukon president Pat Banks in an e-mail Wednesday.
“Trooper is recovering well, considering the distance he was dragged,” said Banks. “Fortunately, he does not appear to have any bone or organ injuries, but his skin-related lesions are severe and will take many weeks to heal.”
Some of Trooper’s wounds to his right side are so deep they uncover muscle tissue. The dog is still on medication as a result.
He is also wearing what many call a lampshade to prevent him from licking his wounds.
People who visit with Trooper describe a dog that is happy and friendly despite his painful injuries.
And Banks has noticed a change in his attitude since he arrived at the shelter, she said.
“Despite his injuries, Trooper is in good spirits and is a much happier dog than when he first came into our care,” she said.
Twenty-eight-year-old Stanley Gostel has been charged with three animal-bylaw infractions by Whitehorse bylaw officers.
On February 9, several witnesses stopped the man on Hamilton Boulevard in Whitehorse after watching him drag his dog behind his pickup truck at speeds up to 70 km/hr.
If convicted, Gostel could face punishment identical to a criminal animal-cruelty charge, thanks to a special provision of the Whitehorse bylaw.
A conviction of animal cruelty under the criminal code carries a maximum fine of up to $10,000 and six months in jail.
Gostel will enter a plea on April 24. (TQ)