Thirty-four puppies have tested positive for canine parvovirus, a deadly virus that has already killed eight of the rescued puppies.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED / B.C. SPCA
October 01, 2020 - 10:42 AM
The B.C. SPCA rescued 46 puppies, 21 adult dogs, 27 horses and three cats from a Princeton property last week.
The animals were in horrible condition, and several have died since they were seized, Sept. 23.
According to media release from the B.C. SPCA, 34 puppies have tested positive for canine parvovirus, that has already taken the lives of eight puppies despite aggressive treatment.
“This is such a heart-breaking situation, particularly because parvo is a preventable disease," Marcie Moriarty, chief prevention and enforcement officer for the B.C. SPCA, said in a media release. "These puppies would not be suffering and fighting for their lives had they received proper vaccinations and medical treatment in their owner’s care.”
Many of the horses are ill and dangerously underweight, and one has died despite staff's efforts to save it.
The SPCA is putting out a call for donations to fund the long road of medical care these animals will require to survive.
Many of the horses seized from a Princeton property were severely underweight.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED / B.C. SPCA
Treatment and care just for the puppies with parvovirus could exceed $100,000.
"As a community of animal-lovers we are sad and we are angry," the SPCA said in the release. "Rest assured that we will do everything we can under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals act to fight this injustice."
Animal protection officers executed a warrant for the property after receiving a complaint about animals in distress.
Moriarty said the animals were in an extremely poor environment, in unsanitary living conditions, with a lack of shelter, overcrowding and poor ventilation.
They were also exposed to injurious objects, with some of the animals on short chains with no visible access to water.
The dogs and puppies seized from the property included Labrador retrievers, Dalmatians, Corgis, Great Pyrenees, King Charles spaniels, Yorkies, Maltese, poodles and Australian cattle dogs.
“These animals have been through so much and we want to give them every chance to survive and have a safe and wonderful life," Moriarty said.
To donate to the B.C. SPCA, click here.
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