Puppy mill bust one of the largest ever in B.C., says SPCA

Sixty-six suffering dogs were seized from a Langley, B.C., breeder on Feb. 4 in what the SPCA has described as one of the largest puppy mill seizures in the province.

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The dogs were found to be living in deplorable conditions, suffering fromserious medicalissues such as broken limbs,missing ears and eyes, infections, abscesses,malnourishment and dental disease, the SPCA said. Many of the animals had furthat was caked in driedfeces.

"It is inconceivable to think that anyone allowed these innocentanimals to suffer like this," said MarcieMoriarty, BC SPCA chief prevention and enforcement officer."Many ofthese dogs required urgent medical care and many others show signs offearfulness due to lack of socialization."

According to the SPCA, 34 puppies and 32 adult dogs were living in small crates and cages stacked in dark, unheated buildings with dangerous ammonia levels resulting from accumulated urine.

Breeds seized included Old English sheepdogs, Bernese mountain dogs, soft-coated wheaten terriers, standard poodles, miniature poodles and Portuguesewater dogs.

Moriartycharacterized the puppy farm as a family-run operation with ties to Washington state, and said the agency was made aware of the puppy mill by a member of the public.She said previously some puppies from the operation had been sold for$1,000 or more.

"We have to make it clear tounscrupulous breeders who sacrifice animals on the altar of profit that thistype of neglect and cruelty is not acceptable to British Columbians," Moriarty said.

The dogs are now under the protective hold of the SPCA, receiving veterinary care. They are not currently available for adoption.

The SPCAis preparing a report recommending charges under the Criminal Code of Canada.