On Tuesday, the B.C. SPCA issued a release about the rescue of 66 dogs and puppies from a puppy mill operation in Langley - according to the shelter, the rescue effort is believed to be one of the largest puppy mill seizures in B.C. history.
A total of 32 adult dogs and 34 puppies were rescued from the breeder on February 4. According to the shelter, the dogs, including Old English sheepdogs, Bernese mountain dogs, standard poodles, soft-coated Wheaton terriers, and Portuguese water dogs, were suffering from a variety of maladies.
Some of the dogs seized from the breeder were missing ears and eyes - others had broken limbs, infections, abscesses and were suffering from matted and filthy fur, overgrown nails - many were malnourished.
Marcie Moriarty, chief prevention and enforcement officer for the BC SPCA, says the dogs and puppies were kept in deplorable conditions, with multiple dogs living in small, stacked crates and cages, in dark, unheated buildings with dangerous ammonia levels from accumulated urine. Moriaty stated, "Many of these dogs required urgent medical care and many others show signs of fearfulness due to lack of socialization."
She added, "It is inconceivable to think that anyone allowed these innocent animals to suffer like this." The neglectful situation was brought to the attention of the local authorities thanks to a tip from the public.
Moriaty stated,
Click here to read more about this seizure, and how to make a donation towards the dogs' care.
A total of 32 adult dogs and 34 puppies were rescued from the breeder on February 4. According to the shelter, the dogs, including Old English sheepdogs, Bernese mountain dogs, standard poodles, soft-coated Wheaton terriers, and Portuguese water dogs, were suffering from a variety of maladies.
Some of the dogs seized from the breeder were missing ears and eyes - others had broken limbs, infections, abscesses and were suffering from matted and filthy fur, overgrown nails - many were malnourished.
Marcie Moriarty, chief prevention and enforcement officer for the BC SPCA, says the dogs and puppies were kept in deplorable conditions, with multiple dogs living in small, stacked crates and cages, in dark, unheated buildings with dangerous ammonia levels from accumulated urine. Moriaty stated, "Many of these dogs required urgent medical care and many others show signs of fearfulness due to lack of socialization."
She added, "It is inconceivable to think that anyone allowed these innocent animals to suffer like this." The neglectful situation was brought to the attention of the local authorities thanks to a tip from the public.
Moriaty stated,
"A key step in shutting down puppy mills is for those who are purchasing animals to be educated and aware of the signs of unscrupulous operations. The BC SPCA has a number of web and print resources that outline the difference between legitimate breeders and puppy mills. We urge people to arm themselves with knowledge and to immediately call our animal cruelty hotline (1-855-622-7722) to report any suspicious situations where animals may be in distress."The dogs and puppies will be held at the Vancouver SPCA shelter as the investigation continues. Currently, they are not available for adoption. The shelter has requested donations to help provide for the dogs and puppies that were seized - among the items needed are towels, blankets and dog beds. Anyone who is able to help can drop items off at the Vancouver SPCA shelter, 1205 East 7th Avenue.
Click here to read more about this seizure, and how to make a donation towards the dogs' care.