Sixteen neglected Pomeranian and Yorkshire terrier-cross puppies and one three-month-old Labrador retriever are in the care of the BC SPCA this week after SPCA constables executed a warrant on a property near Kamloops, B.C.
The puppies, all under a year old, were seized due to unsanitary living conditions, overcrowding and lack of ventilation. SPCA officers also seized seven young chickens from the property, who were also being kept in overcrowded, unsanitary containers.
“We have dealt with this individual in the past and she was convicted of animal cruelty in 2005, following a BC SPCA investigation where numerous dogs were seized. The judge handed down a sentence that included a ban on keeping animals, but unfortunately the ban had expired,” says Marcie Moriarty, chief prevention and enforcement officer for the BC SPCA.
“We learned of her most recent location and activity through a complaint to our Animal Helpline – it appears she has been breeding puppies again and selling them for up to $2000.” Moriarty says it is completely unacceptable to profit off the suffering of vulnerable animals and that the BC SPCA will be recommending charges in the case.
The puppies remain in SPCA care but are not currently available for adoption, pending the legal process in the case. Please check the BC SPCA website (spca.bc.ca/adopt) for adoption updates.
The BC SPCA is grateful for donations towards the cost of care for the puppies.
Please visit spca.bc.ca/emergencyalert to help.
