Penticton dog seriously injured after deer attack

The family of a four-month-old puppy is receiving a huge outpouring of support after the dog was attacked and seriously injured by a deer in Penticton on June 14.

Last week, an online fundraiser was launched in aid of Tasha O’Krane, the owner of a dog named Poppy who suffered a broken leg and a broken rib after being trampled by a deer in a residential area.

Poppy has now been taken to Vancouver for emergency treatment; veterinary costs have already reached over $10,000.

“We are so grateful Poppy is alive, but her road to recovery will be challenging,” said Hope O’Krane, Tasha’s daughter, who organized the fundraiser. “Any amount will help Poppy heal and ease the unexpected burden on my parents.”

As of June 19, just over $5,000 has been raised to support Poppy, who also suffered a bruised lung in the deer attack. The family hopes to raise $15,000 to cover additional veterinary and travel costs.

O’Krane described her mother’s encounter with the deer, which occurred around 4:30 p.m. on a sidewalk behind an apartment complex near the intersection of Baskin Street and Kinney Avenue.

The two were out for a walk when they suddenly found themselves just a few steps away from a deer. A 1.20-meter-high fence, according to O’Krane, was the only barrier between them and the animal.

As the deer approached, O’Krane’s mother picked up a frightened Poppy. However, any movement, no matter how small, caused the deer to pounce on her.

With Poppy now on the ground and her owner having the chance to run away and escape, the deer caught up with the dog in seconds and began to pounce on her “repeatedly.” The two were only 200 meters from their home.

Later, O’Krane’s mother managed to scare the deer away, grab Poppy and rush to the nearest emergency room.

Poppy not only suffered a bruised liver but also internal bleeding, which has now been stopped following emergency treatment.

The dog will return to Vancouver in a month for a second surgery, O’Krane said.

Three days before the incident, Penticton City authorities issued a warning about the breeding season and the dangers of aggressive does in urban areas.

“It is important for pet owners to keep their dogs on a leash during this time,” says a press release.

“Females may view domestic animals as predators or as a threat to their newborns, as dogs are similar to the fawns’ natural enemies in the wild. If a dog gets too close, the doe may become aggressive and attack the dog.”

The public is urged to report deer that may no longer be afraid of people and pets to the British Columbia Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277.

You can find the fundraiser for Poppy here.