Former dog breeder probed after SPCA rescues 45 animals

A former dog breeder is being investigated for animal cruelty after the B.C. SPCA rescued 45 Havanese dogs that were in need of care.

The dogs were surrendered by the breeder on April 12 after SPCA enforcement officers visited a home near Victoria. The dogs’ coats were matted with feces and urine, and they were living in a home with high levels of ammonia.

“The individual was co-operative and voluntarily surrendered the animals, who range in age from one-and-a-half to 15 years,” said Marcie Moriarty, chief prevention and enforcement officer for the B.C. SPCA.

Moriarty said the dogs were so filthy and matted that extensive bathing and grooming was necessary before the dogs’ physical and psychological condition could be assessed.

They are being cared for at SPCA shelters across Vancouver Island and are not yet up for adoption.

The breeder stopped selling dogs about five years ago.

Moriarty said the situation underscores why the new breeder regulations being developed in B.C. are urgently needed.

“Whether it involves a puppy mill where a breeder is putting profits before the welfare of the animals or a situation where an individual becomes overwhelmed with the number of animals in their care, we need to have standards for breeders and a way for members of the public to identify legitimate breeders from those who are not providing good care and welfare for their animals,” she said.

Charges have not yet been laid, but the investigation is ongoing, Moriarty said.