On May 21, 2025, at the Kamloops Law Courts, Kurtis Leo Gordon Elliot was convicted of one count of owner neglecting animal or bird or failing to provide necessaries contrary to section 446(1)(b) of the Criminal Code of Canada.
Following his sentencing on May 27, 2025, Elliot is prohibited from owning, having the custody or control of, or residing in the same premises as an animal or bird for a period of ten years, with exceptions for one adult cat, named Sativa, and a number of goldfish already in his possession.
“We’re relieved that this investigation resulted in a conviction, but deeply disappointed by the leniency of the sentence given the severity of this animal cruelty case” says Eileen Drever, senior officer protection and stakeholder relations at the BC SPCA. “In my 45 years with the organization, this stands out as one of the most appalling instances of dog starvation I have encountered. These dogs endured immense suffering, all so their ‘guardian’ could profit from their misery, making the light sentence even more difficult to accept.”
Drever adds, “A prohibition on owning animals can be a powerful tool to prevent individuals convicted of animal cruelty from obtaining more animals. The length of a ban needs to be long enough for the convicted to feel its impact, and the stipulations need to be clear and easily enforceable.”
“Dogs are sentient beings capable of experiencing fear, suffering and joy. They are not commodities to be exploited – they deserve compassion, dignity and respect.”
Although Elliot is restricted from directly residing with animals or birds, he will be permitted to reside with animals owned by tenants or renters on his property, provided he has advised the BC SPCA of these animals in writing. After five years, Elliot will also be permitted to have custody and control of and reside in the same premises as two additional spayed or neutered dogs.
Despite the significant cost of this animal cruelty investigation and the necessary medical care for the dogs, Elliot was not ordered to pay any fines or retribution to the BC SPCA.
“The BC SPCA believes a stricter sentencing, including a lifetime ban on owning animals, would have been more appropriate given the horrific conditions of the dogs involved in this case.”
BC SPCA animal protection officers rescue 15 starving dogs from Clearwater breeder
Original story: January 11, 2023
BC SPCA animal protection officers have seized 13 starving dogs from an individual in Clearwater who was breeding and selling Cane Corso puppies for profit during COVID. Two more emaciated adult dogs on the property were surrendered into BC SPCA custody the day before the seizure.
“The condition of these animals was just horrific – many of them were extremely emaciated,” says Eileen Drever, senior officer, protection and stakeholder relations for the BC SPCA. “It was one of the worst cases I have seen in my 42 years with the BC SPCA.” In total, SPCA animal protection officers removed seven 10-week-old puppies and eight dogs under the age of three years. Three of the dogs remain under intensive veterinary care due to their emaciated state.
“Some of the dogs were kept outside all day in sub-zero temperatures, with no shelter from the elements, no food and water bowls frozen over,” says Drever. “The pens had compact snow and ice and no dry place for them to lay down – I don’t how much longer these poor dogs would have lasted.” The ten-week-old puppies were kept indoors in a wire crate, but did not have access to food.
“There was evidence that at least three of the dogs had eaten parts of a blanket from the floor, desperate for anything to eat to try to stay alive,” says Drever. Some of the puppies also had wood splinters in their stool.
The dogs were rushed for medical treatment and are now in the care of the BC SPCA. “In addition to their medical needs, which will likely be significant due to their starvation, many of the dogs are extremely fearful and unsocialized and will need on-going behavioural support before they are emotionally and psychologically healed,” says Drever. The investigation continues and charges of animal cruelty are being recommended to Crown counsel in the case.
“No animal should be subjected to this kind of suffering,” says Drever. “We are so relieved that they are now warm and safe in our care and getting the nutrition and medical help they urgently need.”