Thirteen starving dogs were seized from an individual in Clearwater by BC SPCA.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ BC SPCA
January 11, 2023 - 3:32 PM
Thirteen starving dogs were seized from a breeder in Clearwater by the BC SPCA after two emaciated adults dogs on the property were surrendered to the organization the day before.
The breeder was selling Cane Corso puppies for profit during COVID, according to a SPCA media release issued today, Jan. 11.
“The condition of these animals was just horrific – many of them were extremely emaciated,” SPCA spokesperson Eileen Drever said in the release. “It was one of the worst cases I have seen in my 42 years with the BC SPCA.”
The shelter said seven 10-week-old puppies and eight dogs under the age of three were seized. Three dogs are in veterinary care because of emaciation.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ BC SPCA
“Some of the dogs were kept outside all day in sub-zero temperatures, with no shelter from the elements, no food and water bowls frozen over,” Drever said. “The pens had compact snow and ice and no dry place for them to lay down – I don’t how much longer these poor dogs would have lasted.”
The puppies were kept indoors in a wire crate but didn't have access to food and some of them had wood splinters in their stool.
“There was evidence that at least three of the dogs had eaten parts of a blanket from the floor, desperate for anything to eat to try to stay alive,” she said.
The dogs were initially rushed for medical treatment and will need medical and behavioural supports.
“Many of the dogs are extremely fearful and unsocialized and will need on-going behavioural support before they are emotionally and psychologically healed,” Drever said. “No animal should be subjected to this kind of suffering. We are so relieved that they are now warm and safe in our care and getting the nutrition and medical help they urgently need.”
READ MORE: More than 60 neglected dogs removed from Mission home: B.C. SPCA
The investigation continues and charges of animal cruelty are being recommended to Crown counsel.
If you wish to make a donation to help pay for the treatment the dogs need, go to the BC SPCA web page here.
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