RCMP investigating animal cruelty in central Manitoba, 18-year-old arrested

WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT

Manitoba RCMP are investigating a case of animal cruelty after a disturbing video was shared on social media. Global News has decided to show an edited version of the video to illustrate the extreme nature of the abuse. Viewer discretion is still strongly advised.

The video shows a young man throwing a small dog several feet into the air over a paved road and it falling to the ground. The dog can be seen struggling to get up off the pavement.

Manitoba RCMP arrested an 18-year-old man from Easterville believed to be responsible. He hasn’t been charged and remains in custody.

Manitoba Underdogs Rescue, a local animal rescue organization, picked up Asha (the name given to the dog) Wednesday evening. On the organization’s Facebook wall they said she has lost the use of her back legs.

She is expected to arrive in Winnipeg at approximately 2 a.m. Thursday where she will be brought to the Winnipeg Emergency Hospital. She will then be moved to the Dakota Veterinary Hospital after “initial assessment”.

“Her name is Asha which means life and hope,” Desiree Klippenstein, a volunteer with the Manitoba Underdogs Rescue told Global News.

Asha’s Recovery

Asha arrived at the Winnipeg Animal Emergency Hospital (WAEH) early Thursday morning.

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The hospital posted on Facebook that Asha is in “good spirits,” despite what she’s been through.

WATCH: A short video of Asha when she first arrived at the Winnipeg Animal Emergency Hospital on Thursday morning

0:55 A look at how Asha is recovering at the animal hospital

Manitoba Underdogs Rescue also said Asha’s spirits are high, but that she will still not walk.

“We’re worried that there is some damage to her spine because she wasn’t standing on her own,” said Lindsay Gillanders, spokesperson for Manitoba Underdogs Rescue. “Yesterday (Wednesday), we were all relieved because she did stand up.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "We're worried that there is some damage to her spine because she wasn't standing on her own," said Lindsay Gillanders, spokesperson for Manitoba Underdogs Rescue. "Yesterday (Wednesday), we were all relieved because she did stand up."

Gillanders said the hospital believes she may be suffering a pelvic fracture and that she is not bearing any weight on her front right paw.

LISTEN: Global News spoke to Manitoba Underdogs Rescue spokesperson Lindsay Gillanders about Asha’s recovery in hospital Thursday morning

0:30 Update from Manitoba Underdogs Rescue on Asha’s condition

As of early Thursday morning, the hospital was unable to get Asha in for x-rays, but she will be getting those x-rays at Dakota Veterinary Hospital at around 11 a.m.

Asha was staying at WAEH to receive some pain medication and much-needed rest. She is now being taken to Dakota Veterinary Hospital for further assessment.

Making Donations

Donations have started rolling in from the public for Asha.

The Manitoba Underdogs Rescue said that even with the donations, her care is going to be costly.

“We are already stretched thin with vet bills left from a few sick puppies in the spring,” Gillanders said. “Asha is going to be a huge drain on our finances.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "We are already stretched thin with vet bills left from a few sick puppies in the spring," Gillanders said. "Asha is going to be a huge drain on our finances."

Asha is not expected to be up for adoption for months.

Manitoba Underdogs Rescue is still accepting donations. You can make a donation by clicking here.