It pains us to think about how these dogs and puppies lived in their own filth for days on end, all so someone could turn a profit. Thankfully they are now safe in BC SPCA care following their rescue, and you can extend your love to this group, and others like them today.

Despite lives spent confined to small crates with little interaction with the world outside, we want you to know the team caring for these 13 dogs has already seen promising glimpses of their brighter future. A quiet moment when one of these weenies cautiously approaches a staff member sitting calmly on the kennel floor is a big win. The yearning in the eyes of these sweet ones is clear: they want to be loved and doted on but are often too fearful to ask for it. With each passing day they’re building that confidence, and with kindness like yours beside them they will have the best chance possible at happiness.

When members of the BC SPCA Animal Protection team arrived at the home where these dogs were living, they were hit with the strong odour of feces from the porch. Inside, they could hear several small dogs barking, but the sound didn’t move toward the door. It was clear that the dogs were confined.

As officers made their way from room to room, their hearts sank. Multiple small, wire crates lined the walls, each with an individual dog inside. Some only had the hard plastic to sit on. Others had some bedding, but it was soiled with feces and soaked with urine. Most of the dogs did not have water, and those with food had it strewn across their crate, mixed in with their own filth.

This was not a scene you would hope to find any animal living in. But what was especially heartbreaking was seeing that these dogs were more comfortable in their filthy crates than around humans. It was likely this was all they’d ever known.

Many of the dogs, who range from 12 weeks to 12 years old, have severely overgrown nails. Some were so long they had curled and embedded into the paw pads, requiring a surgical procedure to be removed. Those with long hair had clumped mats caked with feces. From their condition, it appeared they were rarely free to roam outside of their crates. Their world confined to a tiny area where they were forced to live in their own mess with no stimulation and little comfort.

Your kindness today will help these dogs and others like them to know the comfort of a cozy, clean bed, the freedom to drink when they are thirsty, and receive love from the people around them. If you can, please make a compassionate gift today.

WARNING: graphic dental image below.

Several of the dogs are far skinnier than they should be, their ribs and spine easily felt as you glide your hand down their back. There is no question they were living in distress.

During their intake exams, staff moved slowly and spoke softly to help each fearful dog feel safe. As they were checked over, the extent of their medical needs became heartbreakingly clear. Most of these dogs are suffering from severe dental disease—worse than anything staff have ever seen, even after years of working similar cases. Even some of the younger dogs, just a few years old, were already struggling with painful oral infections that make everyday life uncomfortable for them.

Thanks to love like yours, these 13 dogs and puppies are receiving the kindness and urgent care they deserve right now. Gentle reassuring pets to help them trust again, soothing baths to wash away their past, medical care to heal their pain, and love to comfort their hearts.

If you’d like to make a caring contribution, please know your generous actions make a life-changing difference to the animals who need you, like these miniature dachshunds.

When purchasing an animal from a breeder, it’s important to look for red flags of irresponsible breeding practices. These can include a breeder insisting on meeting in a parking lot rather than where the animals are living, refusing to provide adequate health records for puppies or their parents, animals in visibly poor condition, or showing fearful behaviour when handled. The more people who know the warning signs, the more animals we can help save from the distress these dogs have endured.

As an animal lover, I know you are already doing your bit, but please help us raise awareness within your community and networks. Together we can make a real impact for animals in need like these dachshunds.

The BC SPCA will be recommending charges to Crown Counsel given the treatment of these dogs and puppies.