The dogs found on the property included a female German Shepherd with eight puppies approximately three-weeks-old and four other adult dogs; three German Shepherds and what appeared to be a Burmese Mountain dog.

Williams Lake SPCA was unable to immediately attend the property.

Due to the frigid -20 Celsius temperatures, Corporal Dean Robinson of the Williams Lake Forensic Identification Section knew the pups would not survive once the power was cut on the property. The mother and pups appeared to be living in the dirt underneath an active grow building which was providing some heat. “I decided right then, I couldn’t just leave them there,” says Dean who took the pups and mother to his personal residence for the night. “I am a dog lover and wanted to give these dogs a chance at survival,” he adds.

The next day, when Corporal Robinson returned to the property to check on the other dogs, he discovered that only the three German Shepherds remained and appeared to have been abandoned. He contacted the Williams Lake SPCA who attended and picked up the remaining three adults dogs as well as the mother and her pups.

Soon after their arrival at the SPCA, the mom and her pups were examined by a veterinarian. It was determined they all had a life threatening and contagious disease called parvo and sadly, had to be euthanized. The remaining three adult German Shepherds did not test positive for the disease and have all since been adopted.

Since rescuing the dogs, Corporal Robinson has initiated a fund raiser with the cooperation of the SPCA and local Save On Foods. Mark Law, the Save On Foods store manager, created a points donation program which allows Williams Lake residents to donate Save On More points to the SPCA. One dollar for every 1000 points. Save On will match dollar for dollar, therefore a total of two dollars cash per 1000 points will go directly to the Williams Lake SPCA. They will use the money to carry out their day to day activities rescuing and caring for animals in need.

This grow op bust had special impact  on Corporal Dean  “Rarely do you come across a grow op of this size without finding some secondary issue going on. But finding this blatant disregard for the health of these dogs really hit home for me.”