Courtesy of BC SPCA
Courtesy of BC SPCA

(by News 1130) The BC SPCA says it has seized 66 sick and neglected dogs and puppies in what it deems one of the largest puppy mill seizures ever in BC. Thirty-two adult dogs and 34 puppies were removed from a Langley breeder’s property on Thursday. Many of the animals have serious medical and psychological issues, including broken limbs, missing ears and eyes, infections and abscesses, malnourishment, dental disease, and severe matting. The SPCA says the animals’ fur was “caked in dried feces” and their nails were overgrown.

“We received a complaint from the member of the public that she was attempting to buy a puppy — she had gone onto this property and what she saw concerned her. She did the very right thing: She decided not to purchase that puppy and instead, to contact the BC SPCA,” says Marcie Moriarty with the SPCA.

“As a result of the details that she could provide, we were able to go directly to get a warrant and attend on the property. As a result, 66 dogs were saved.”

The agency says the animals were kept in small, stacked crates in dark, unheated buildings that had “dangerous ammonia levels” from urine.

“This was your quintessential puppy mill,” says Moriarty.

“Many of these dogs required urgent medical care and many others show signs of fearfulness due to lack of socialization,” she tells us.

Moriarty tells us they have had issues with the property before.

“This is a very sophisticated, family-run business. Each time we would receive a concern, when we’d attend on the property, the dogs will also have been removed, they would refuse entry, or we wouldn’t have sufficient evidence to obtain a warrant.”

The SPCA says it’s now preparing a report to Crown counsel and will be recommending criminal charges. The animals are in the organization’s custody for veterinary care but are not currently available for adoption. The Vancouver shelter is looking for donations of blankets, towels, and dog beds. Anyone who would like to help is asked to drop items off at 1205 East 7th Avenue.