B.C. RCMP investigating after dog thrown ‘like a football,’ punched several times

An RCMP cruiser in Nanaimo, B.C. (CTV News)

Mounties on Vancouver Island are investigating a reported case of animal abuse after a witness told police she saw a man punch a dog several times and throw the animal “like a football” across a road.

The Nanaimo RCMP were called to the 6500 block of Aulds Road just before noon on Feb.12, according to a statement from detachment Tuesday.

The witness at the scene told police she saw a man beating and throwing a small brown dog, possibly a Chihuahua.

The suspect reportedly put the animal in a black shopping bag and then punched it several times before throwing it, according to police.

“When the witness confronted the male, he threatened her, so she stepped away and called Animal Control and 911,” the Nanaimo RCMP said.

“Animal Control and police were on the scene within minutes but could not locate the male or the dog.”

‘Do not approach this man’

Investigators are now searching for a suspect described as a thin white man who was wearing a black puffy jacket with a gray fur-rimmed hood, brown boots and jeans.

“Please do not approach this man,” Const. Sherri Wade said in the statement. “We want to find the dog but don’t want anyone getting hurt.”

Police say a person of interest was identified by social media users, however he has been ruled out as a suspect.

“We appreciate how many people are engaged with trying to find and help the dog and are following up on all leads,” Wade added.

Anyone with information on the man or the dog is asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.