Injured Dog Rescued from Trash Can Now Recovering After Surgery
The miniature poodle found injured inside a trash can at Pacific Spirit Regional Park last week is now on the road to recovery following surgery.
Named Oscar—after the beloved Sesame Street character who lives in a trash can—the dog is healing well from multiple injuries, including a dislocated hip and several fractures.
Oscar was discovered by Terry Sparrow and his fiancée Krista Brisk while walking the Camosun Trail. The dog has since been cared for by their friend Laurie Schildt, who gave him his fitting name.
A fundraiser for Oscar’s medical treatment raised over $7,000. Additional costs have been covered by Canada West Veterinary Specialists, where Oscar is receiving care.
Dr. Michael King, the attending veterinarian, said the source of Oscar’s injuries remains uncertain.
“There was definitely some sort of blunt-force trauma to his chest and elbow, which would explain the rib fractures,” King explained. “The hip issue may have been a pre-existing condition—something minor that hadn’t caused him trouble until now. So far, we haven’t found conclusive evidence of abuse.”
The surgery successfully addressed both the hip and elbow injuries. According to King, Oscar is recovering well.
“He’s a calm and quiet dog, which makes him easy to care for,” he said. “Now that he’s starting to feel better, we’re seeing more of his personality come out. He’s definitely more alert and cheerful.”
University RCMP and the B.C. SPCA are investigating how Oscar ended up in the trash can. While the dog does have a microchip, it was never registered, making it difficult to trace his owner.
Under British Columbia’s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, abandoning an animal can result in a fine of up to $75,000 and two years in prison. Under the Criminal Code of Canada, the penalty can be up to $10,000 and two years’ imprisonment.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about how Oscar ended up abandoned near the UBC campus to contact University RCMP or the B.C. SPCA.