Calling it one of the worst cases of animal neglect in recent history, the BC SPCA is recommending animal cruelty charges after it seized over a dozen starving dogs from a breeder in Clearwater.
In a statement Wednesday, it says 13 dogs were seized from a person who was selling Cane Corso puppies for profit during the COVID-19 pandemic, while the other two emaciated adult dogs were surrendered to the BC SPCA the day before the seizure.
“The condition of these animals was just horrific – many of them were extremely emaciated,” Eileen Drever, the BC SPCA’s senior officer, protection and stakeholder relations said.
“It was one of the worst cases I have seen in my 42 years with the BC SPCA.”
Drever says seven of the dogs were 10-week-old puppies, while the other eight were under the age of three. They were rushed to a veterinarian for treatment, with three of them still under intensive care due to their emaciated state.
“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 added. “The pens had compact snow and ice and no dry place for them to lay down. 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.”
“I don’t how much longer these poor dogs would have lasted.”
Drever says the SPCA – which is accepting donations to help care for the dogs – is recommending charges of animal cruelty to Crown Counsel.
“In addition to their medical needs, which will likely be significant due to their starvation, many of the dogs are extremely fearful and unsocialized and will need on-going behavioural support before they are emotionally and psychologically healed,” she 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.”