Charges are being recommended after the BC SPCA rescued 59 dogs and puppies from a breeder in the Quesnel area.
Eileen Drever is the senior officer for protection and stakeholder relations.
“As a result of a complaint received our officers conducted an investigation which resulted in the execution of a warrant on Wednesday. As a result of conditions found these animals were living in unsanitary conditions.”
Drever says it is one of the worst cases she has seen in her 44 years.
“They were living in high ammonia level rooms, some of these dogs were emaciated, very fearful as a result of being under socialized. Newborn puppies had castration bands on their tails which resulted in infection causing severe pain. Their nerves were exposed. The conditions that these dogs were forced to live in, it was just disgusting and very, very upsetting to think the owner was making money from these dogs which a number of them were emaciated. Really heartbreaking and it was difficult for the staff to observe these conditions.”
Drever says 43 Cane Corsos were rescued along with 12 chihuahuas, and four French Bulldogs.
She says the floor in the home was littered with garbage and dogs had access to injurious objects as well as medications.
Drever says they also seized some birds.
“There were some parrots and some of the birds had plucked their feathers and that’s a sign of stress as well and one had a trauma injury to the throat area. All of the animals in this individual’s care, or lack of care, were suffering.”
Drever says once removed from the property, the animals requiring immediate medical attention were brought to a veterinarian for appropriate treatment.
“It is heart warming to see so many people support the SPCA because we’re not funded by the government to do this work, which makes me wonder who would do this if the SPCA wasn’t here, so I am thankful for supporters for supporting our work.”
She says she is angry however, that people continue to profit from these dogs.
“If anybody is looking to purchase a puppy you go to their home, you ask to see the mom, you ask to see the dad, check out the living conditions and ideally these breeders should be a member of the Canadian Kennel Club. The living conditions in this case were just horrendous.”
Drever says as it is an ongoing investigation and charges have not yet been laid, the name of the person responsible for all of this can’t yet be named.
She says charges have been forwarded to Crown Counsel.
“That will be up to the investigating officer but it could be under the Criminal Code of Canada or the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. The maximum penalty under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act could be a $75,000 fine and/or a maximum of two years in prison, and/or a lifetime prohibition from owning or caring for animals.”
To help these dogs, or others in need, you can visit spca.bc.ca/
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