British Columbia

Yu Lin facing animal cruelty charges for emaciated dog Willow

The former owner of of Willow, the emaciated husky found wandering the streets of Maple Ridge in January 2015, is facing two charges of animal cruelty following a B.C. SPCA investigation.

Young husky dog was about 20 pounds underweight when she was found abandoned in Maple Ridge

Willow the husky weighed just 15 kilograms when she was brought to the animal shelter. (B.C. SPCA)

The former owner of of Willow, the emaciated husky found wandering the streets of Maple Ridge in January of 2015, is facing two charges of animal cruelty following a B.C. SPCA investigation.

Yu Lin, a Coquitlam resident and university student in his 20s, could face up to two years in jail, a maximum fine of $75,000 and a lifetime ban on owning animals, if he's convicted. 

B.C. SPCA spokeswoman Lorie Chortyk said Willow was about nine kilograms, or about 20 pounds, underweight when she was found wandering the streets alone. 

Willow, a young husky, has been adopted by a loving family since she was found abandoned on the streets of Maple Ridge, B.C.

"When she first came in she was unable to lie down due to abdominal pain caused by rocks and soil in her gastrointestinal tract," said Chortyk.

"There were no food remnants in her stomach so it's likely that she had been eating gravel to try to stay alive. She also had trouble walking because her muscles were so weak."

Willow was taken to the Dewdney Animal Hospital and recovered in foster care for several months.

Chortyk said the dog was adopted by a loving family last March.