Prince George, B.C. – It is one of the largest puppy mill busts in B.C. history as the BCSPCA has seized 66 dogs and puppies from a breeder in Langley.

The animals, 32 adult dogs and 34 puppies, are in veterinarian care for a variety of issues including missing ears and eyes, broken limbs, infections and malnourishment. 

The living conditions for the animals were deplorable says BCSPCA chief prevention and enforcement officer Marcie Moriarty, multiple dogs living in small, stacked crates and cages in dark unheated buildings with dangerous ammonia levels from accumulated urine.

(at right,  one of the ailing adult dogs missing an eye,  image courtesy BCSPCA)

The breeder in this case was no stranger to the BCSPCA.   There had been complaints before says Moriarty but the suspected puppy mill had been moved before the BCSPCA could get a warrant. “This time, a member of the public provided detailed information that allowed us to proceed immediately with getting a warrant.”

Moriarty says charges are being recommended, and it will be up to Crown Counsel to decide if those charges will be approved.

Last year, the BCSPCA received more than 10 thousand cases of suspected animal neglect or abuse. Nearly 150 cases saw warrants issued. That’s not to say animal abuse is up in B.C., Moriarty says it is more likely a reflection of the public becoming more aware of the issue, and having a direct abuse/neglect hotline to call (1-855-622-7722) “The vast majority of cases can be resolved through education and working with the   animal owner and working with that person, just to make sure that person is providing adequate care, however, in 148 times,   that care wasn’t provided and we did escalate to warrant and seized animals.”

Responding to all those calls can be a challenge says Moriarty “We only have 28 full time constables across the province to be responding to the vast majority of those calls.”

The most recent case in the north central region was that of Karin and Catherine Adams of Houston who were each sentenced to 20 year bans on owning animals following the seizure of horses, dogs, birds, cats and fish from their property. The animals were malnourished and in living in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions.

Moriarty says people looking to buy a puppy need to do some homework to ensure they are not providing profit to a puppy mill.

She says potential buyers should visit the breeder in person “That by no means guarantees there aren’t puppies in the back, which is what was happening in this case, (Langley) but visit the property in person.”

Moriarty says a good breeder will be asking the potential buyer questions “They want to make sure your lifestyle will fit the type of dog you have chosen

Buyers should ask for health records, references from others who have purchased dogs from the breeder. “It is a bit of a red flag if you   come on to the property and they are selling numerous different breeds.   Typically, reputable breeders are sticking with a few breeds if not just one.”

More tips are available on the BCSPCA website, which can be accessed here.