Photo via Merritt RCMP

Merritt RCMP say criminal charges are likely as they continue to investigate after a small white goat was fatally mauled by a pit bull on Friday afternoon.

No charges have been laid as of Tuesday afternoon but RCMP Staff Sgt. Josh Roda tells Radio NL that is likely to change.

“Causing an animal unnecessary suffering is an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada and that is the offence we’re investigating,” Roda said. “That will very likely be the offence that we recommend charges to Crown Counsel when this file goes that far.”

Roda says officers were alerted to an online post showing a pit bull in a house violently attack the goat as several people watched.

“I’ve never seen anything like this. It’s absolutely disgusting and I hope I never have to see something like this again,” he said, noting Mounties are still trying to determine if the animal was stolen, sold or given away.

“We’ve actually received more videos and other posts that was posted online, which is really sad to think that people did that, but we still haven’t haven’t received any information on where the goat had come from.”

Roda also says the BC SPCA is currently working on a plan to seize the pit bull, though it is unclear if the plan is to put the dog down or rehabilitate it.

“Dogs are dogs and I think dogs emulate what their owners train them to do,” Roda said. “I don’t want to blame the dog in this instance but I will say the people mishandled the animal.”

“The evening the warrant was executed, the SPCA was unable to seize the dog, and we’re working on a plan in the hopes to do that sooner than later.”

People with information about the goat are being told to contact the Merritt RCMP Detachment at 250-378-4262.