13 dogs were seized from “an irresponsible breeder” between 100 Mile House and Clearwater.
The BC SPCA said in a statement that its investigation began when it received a call from someone who bought a puppy from a breeder and was concerned for the welfare of the remaining dogs.
The person who called in said they bought their puppy from an advertisement on a popular classifieds website.
The dogs, all miniature dachshunds, range in age from 12 weeks to 12 years old, and were found housed in individual small cages with no heat or running and access to water.
The SPCA noted the dogs’ beds were caked in feces and urine, and many had severely overgrown nails to the point of curling under; one had an embedded claw that needed to be surgically removed by a veterinarian. The SPCA says almost all the adult miniature dachshunds were suffering from dental disease.
“The condition of these dogs is unlike anything I have ever seen,” Regional Manager Jamie Wiltse said in a statement. “In all my years working with animals, I’ve never seen such severe dental disease.”
In addition to the physical health concerns, the SPCA said it was obvious that the miniature dachshunds were also poorly socialized, which Wiltse said “was sad to see.”
“They seemed quite wary of human touch, but with patience and encouragement, they eventually warmed up to our animal protection officers.”
The SPCA said the miniature dachshunds are decompressing and receiving attention and medical care at a BC SPCA centre. The dogs are currently not available for adoption.
The BC SPCA will be recommending charges against this breeder to Crown Counsel.
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