BC SPCA animal protection officers have rescued 59 dogs, including 12 chihuahuas, four French bulldogs and 43 Cane Corsos plus 14 birds from an irresponsible breeder in Quesnel after receiving concerns of several injured adult dogs on the property. Many of the dogs are young puppies, with 18 of the Cane Corso pups born within the last month.
“When officers arrived at the home, they were hit with an overwhelming ammonia odor which burned their noses. The ground was littered with garbage, urine and old feces was stuck to the floor, dogs had access to injurious objects as well as medications,” describes Eileen Drever, the BC SPCA’s senior officer protection and stakeholder relations. “In the main area of the home, there were large portions of drywall that had been chewed through around an electrical socket.”
Drever adds that the condition of these poor animals was devastating. Many of the dogs, including the nursing moms, were extremely thin with their ribs clearly visible, spines and hip bones prominent. “The dogs are extremely fearful and under socialized. Some of the puppies were observed shivering in the yard and hiding behind a ripped-up couch amongst pieces of foam from other furniture, feces, urine and dirty straw. One of the dogs would only approach our officer for food and then would run away cowering in fear.”
In addition to the dirty and unsafe living conditions, one litter of puppies, less than a week old, was observed with castration bands meant for docking on their tails. These puppies have been examined by a veterinarian who confirmed they are in severe pain with spinal cord and nerve exposure and infection. The puppies will need to have immediate surgical removal of their tails to relieve this distress.
A dirty aviary room, filled with bird feces and dirty cages, was also on the property housing various parrots and lovebirds. Several birds were loose in the home with the dogs. Two of the birds, one Macaw and an African Grey, were missing a large number of feathers indicating either illness or emotional stress.
“It’s just horrible to think about how long these animals have suffered, without love and proper care. They were all used and abused all to make money,” says Drever.
Once removed from the property, the animals requiring immediate medical attention were brought to a veterinarian for appropriate treatment. To help manage the large number of animals, the BC SPCA’s Drive for Lives program will assist in transporting the dogs and birds to several BC SPCA animal centres across the province.
As this is an ongoing investigation, these dogs are not available for adoption at this time. The BC SPCA will be recommending charges to Crown Counsel.
