Between July 17 and 21, the BC SPCA accepted the surrender of 33 cats and dogs including two pit bull terrier mix moms with a total of 16 puppies from a property in Nanaimo.
“This is yet another case where an animal guardian became overwhelmed by the needs of the animals in their care and uncontrolled breeding caused the already large population to grow rapidly,” says Eileen Drever, senior officer, protection and stakeholder relations. “There were 16 puppies in the home and four kittens, in addition to the adults.”
Drever adds the home was unsanitary with feces and urine present throughout. “All the animals, including the puppies and kittens, had flea infestations,” says Drever. “There was an inadequate amount of food and water for the animals, and it was obvious they had not received veterinary care. Their basic needs were not being met.”
“Caring for this many animals is a significant challenge,” says Drever. “Most of them are currently being cared for at the BC SPCA Nanaimo animal centre, one mother dog and her 11 puppies were transferred to qathet and some of the adult cats are in care at our Parksville centre.”
“All the animals require flea treatment. The puppies and the cats are also receiving treatment for parasites,” says Bonnie Pequin, manager of the Nanaimo animal centre. “One of the puppies developed a growing lump on his head which a veterinarian is closely monitoring. We have already scheduled a follow up appointment to assess any changes to the size and determine next steps.”
Pequin says she is happy to report that the animals were friendly except for one of the moms, now named Lottie, who is fearful.
“The mom of the 11 puppies, now named Bea, was very thin and had diarrhea when she first arrived in the BC SPCA’s care,” says Tara Daniels, manager of qathet animal centre. “She was given a gastrointestinal paste to help with her tummy upset.”
Daniels adds Bea is on a veterinarian supervised re-feeding plan to help her gain weight. “Bea and her three-week-old puppies are doing well with their BC SPCA foster and growing quickly,” she says. “We are supplementing their nursing with formula and wet food, which they are happily eating up.”
The three-week-old puppies will be available for adoption in approximately five weeks, when they have been properly weaned. The rest of the animals will be available in the coming weeks.
