B.C. man charged with animal cruelty after dog nearly dies of fleas

An animal cruelty charge has been laid against a British Columbia man after a dog nearly died of a serious flea infestation.

The B.C.SPCAsaidin a release that an older terrier named Rascal was rushed to an animal hospital on Vancouver Island earlier this year after losing about 85 per cent of his blood to fleas.

Animal protection officer TinaHearysaidthe dog was "literally dying from fleas" when he came into the group's care.

Hearysays people know fleas can cause itchy skin and irritation, but don't always realize the insects feast on blood.

The B.C. SPCAsays Rascal recovered after receiving life-saving blood transfusions and is now thriving in a new home.

It says Gary Bob ofLantzvillehas been charged with one count of animal cruelty under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.