BC SPCA constables have removed 17 badly neglected dogs – 15 Silky Terriers and two German shepherds – from a dog breeder in Cowichan. The 10 female and five male dogs, ranging from one to nine years old, were legally surrendered into SPCA care following a brief investigation.
The dogs were in poor condition, with badly matted fur and overgrown nails and were soaked in urine and feces. Two adult shepherd dogs were also removed into SPCA care.
Marcie Moriarty, chief prevention and enforcement officer for the BC SPCA, says this case highlights why new legislation that was passed this spring to enable regulation of dog and cat breeding in B.C. is essential.
“We were lucky in this case that we were able to intercede early, but without regulations of this industry we see too many situations that can slip through the cracks and the animals are the ones who suffer.”
Moriarty says the BC SPCA is looking forward to working further with government on the development of the regulations that will support the new breeder legislation.
“We’re sure, that with the right resources in place, the public will be able to have confidence in a regulated industry where dogs and cats bred in B.C. are not subjected to the neglect that these poor dogs were exposed to.”
She notes that in addition to voluntarily surrendering all of their dogs the individuals in this case signed a written agreement with the BC SPCA to not own or take possession of any new animals.
The Silky Terriers are being cared for in SPCA foster homes arranged through the BC SPCA’s Cowichan & District and Comox Valley Branches and have adoptions pending.
The BC SPCA carries out nearly 10,000 investigations of animal cruelty and neglect each year and is funded by community donations. To find out how you can help fight animal cruelty, visit spca.bc.ca.