The B.C. SPCA is being inundated with puppies.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/BCSPCA
April 05, 2023 - 7:00 PM
In the first three months of this year, the B.C. SPCA has taken in almost 350 puppies, up from 200 during the same time period in 2022.
That includes the recent surrender of 17 dogs — 11 eight-day-old yellow Labrador retrievers, three 10-week-old border collie-cross puppies and five adult retriever mixes — from a dog breeder in Surrey. The puppies tested positive for roundworm and giardia.
“Many of the puppies coming into SPCA care are from individuals who turned to breeding to make money during the COVID pandemic when the demand for pets was high but who are now are overwhelmed with the costs of caring for animals as the market for their puppies has decreased,” Eileen Drever with the SPCA said in a media release issued today, April 5.
In February, 21 young golden retrievers were taken in by the SPCA shelter in Quesnel. A that time Drever said that in her 42 years with the organization she had never seen so many breeders giving up their dogs.
READ MORE: Pandemic puppies piling up at B.C. SPCA
And she doesn’t see any relief in sight.
“There are just too many people who still think this is a good way to earn quick money and don’t understand the amount of care required and the costs involved,” Drever said.
“That's why we encourage everyone to make sure they are getting their dogs from reputable breeders. Or better still, adopt a dog from the B.C. SPCA or a rescue organization with a good reputation.”
While puppies are easier to adopt, they take up a huge amount of resources since they need round-the-clock care until they are weaned. They also need to be house-trained and socialized.
The SPCA is asking for donations which can be made here.
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