News Alert

This week, Bonnie Milligan, an irresponsible breeder who kept dachshunds, Mini Schnauzers and various poodle-mix breeds in freezing temperatures, has been charged on two counts:

  • wilfully causing unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to an animal
  • wilfully neglecting an animal or failing to provide suitable and adequate food, water, shelter and care
Three dachshunds in a kennel and an ungroomed brown poodle-mix

Under Milligan’s care, these poor souls endured awful living conditions. The stench of ammonia filled the air. Minimal straw bedding and frozen water bowls were among the signs of neglect. These dogs suffered in dark, confined areas with no enrichment for most of their lives. Many of the dogs were so fearful they couldn’t be touched, instead they cowered in the corner whenever someone came close. It was a devastating scene.

Last February, in -10°C temperatures, the BC SPCA Animal Protection team rescued more than 30 dogs from the property. Thanks to the kindness of people like you, they were brought to safety, provided with urgent veterinary care, and, for the first time, a warm bed and patient love from staff to help them through their fear.

Tragically on arrival, one wee dachshund who had been living with an untreated abdominal mass so large it was dragging on the ground could not be saved. The only comfort was knowing her final moments were spent in a safe place, surrounded by people who love animals and want the best for them. Kind people like you, caring friend.

The outpouring of love for these dogs from this compassionate community has been so heartwarming. Strangers extended their generosity to ensure these precious souls never had to suffer again.

two black and white dogs being held

But our work doesn’t stop once animals are rescued. As the only animal welfare organization in B.C. with the authority to investigate complaints of animal abuse or neglect under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, BC SPCA Animal Protection Officers are also able to recommend charges under the Criminal Code of Canada.

From the first call to our Animal Helpline to gathering evidence for court, these investigations can take months—even years. They require dedication, expertise, and resources, all made possible by generous animal lovers like you.

Bringing a case like this to Crown Counsel for prosecution is a long and challenging process. The outcomes are not always what we hope, but we never stop fighting to make B.C. a safer place for animals by diligently investigating each case.

As Milligan awaits trial in March, the court has placed strict conditions on the number of animals she can keep. She must also permit an officer to inspect her property at any time without notice. If convicted, Bonnie Milligan faces up to $10,000 in fines, up to two years in prison—or both—as well as a ban on owning or having custody of an animal in the future.

While we wait for the trial’s outcome, I wanted to share this big step forward as a win for animal welfare. Having charges approved is an important victory in a long process that can take months or even years.

But there are still so many animals who need help.

Will you ensure this lifesaving work continues? Your generosity makes every investigation possible.