43 German shepherds seized from 'irresponsible' breeder: B.C. SPCA

B.C. SPCA animal protection officers have seized 43 dogs from an someone they claim is an "irresponsible" breeder — 31 adult German shepherds and 12 puppies, ranging from a week to nine months old.

In mid-July, the B.C. SPCA received a call from someone expressing concern about a property about 2.5 hours southeast of Prince George that the person had gone to in search of a puppy.

The SPCA decided to investigate, but were refused entry to see the animals. They got a warrant earlier this week and were shocked by the horrible conditions they found, according to Marcie Moriarty, B.C. SPCA's chief of protection and outreach services.

"We had no idea the number of animals that would be involved and the conditions in which these dogs and puppies were being kept," said Moriarty, who added that the dogs were exhibiting signs of distress and were primarily kept in outdoor kennels with plywood soaked in urine and covered in feces.

One mother and her puppies were found in a confined space with high ammonia levels, according to Moriarty. The youngest puppies were found in a dark basement with their mother in a plastic pool with only paper towels for bedding.

The dogs have been seized under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and transported to the B.C. SPCA's North Cariboo animal centre in Prince George where they will receive veterinary exams and special treatment plans.

Moriarty alleged that a number of the dogs were emaciated or very thin, and that there were no toys to be found. Many of the dogs appeared to have experienced little to no enrichment, she said.

The case remains under investigation. Moriarty said that the next steps might include the recommendation of charges.

"Think of how smart German shepherds are," she said. "When they have nothing to do and are left day in and day out in these barren kennels, some of them started pacing, stereotypical bouncing back and forth, hitting the same spot in the cage."

"We want to stop the cycle of abuse, and this would be a case where we'd be looking at a ban [on owning and breeding animals]."

Moriarty acknowledged that there were challenges going on in the kennel owner's life but said it doesn't excuse the suffering of the dogs.

'Saddened' by the discovery

A Victoria breeder of German shepherds expressed her concern about the alleged conditions at the Prince George-area facility.

"We are saddened to hear of the recent discoveries by the SPCA in Prince George — breeding practices of this nature are reprehensible," said Melissa Hume from Vom Kampfgeistes German Shepherds in Victoria.

Hume currently has three dogs at her residence. While she says some people can manage more, she urges people to do their due diligence when selecting a breeder and hopes that the affected dogs will receive the care they need.