SPCA puts out call for help, donations
Organization struggles to cope with 19 sled dogs surrendered by their owner
Dawson Creek SPCA officials have issued an urgent call for volunteers and donations to help rehabilitate 19 sled dogs that were surrendered to the facility on Dec. 27.
South Peace Shelter manager Wendy Davies said the dogs’ owner — who can’t be named due to an ongoing investigation — was unable to comply with provincial sled dog regulations.
She said most of the concerns involved the health of the dogs and rules that ensure the animals receive adequate food and water, exercise, grooming and socialization.
The sled dog standards were enacted in 2012 after 56 dogs were discovered in a mass grave near Whistler in late 2010. Those dogs belonged to Howling Dog Tours, whose business had dropped off after the 2010 Winter Olympics.
“There are many good sled dog owners out there but it’s really important for all owners to be aware of the regulations and be prepared to comply with them,” Davies said.
She said the Dawson Creek dog owner used to run a sled dog business but had not raced or used them for a tourism business for “a number of years.”
Davies said most of the dogs were underweight and many had issues such as dental problems and minor scrapes. All have since shown improvement.
The dogs are from two to 11 years old, with many appearing to be a cross between hounds and huskies.
“They’re relatively short- coated dogs as well, which can be a concern with the extreme temperatures we get up north,” she said.
She said rehabilitating the dogs and finding new permanent homes for them will be a costly, time- consuming process. Eight new volunteers have offered their services to the shelter and many bring chairs, sit in the dog’s kennel and read either out loud or silently.
The shelter is seeking donations of dog toys, treats, leashes, blankets and money to pay for veterinary care.
Anyone able to assist is asked to call 250- 782- 2444 or donate online at the BC SPCA website, www. spca. bc. ca.