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The BC SPCA is applauding an announcement made by the provincial government on Feb. 13 that it is considering new licensing and inspection rules for dog and cat breeders in B.C.
“We have been in conversation with government on this issue and we are very pleased with their commitment to move forward quickly to prevent puppy mill operators and other unscrupulous breeders from continuing to inflict animal suffering,” says Marcie Moriarty, chief prevention and enforcement officer for the BC SPCA.
Moriarty says the BC SPCA would ideally like to see a system that not only requires licensing but also includes a proactive inspection process to ensure that standards of animal welfare are upheld.
“We’re excited that Premier Christy Clark and her government are taking a stand on this issue and we look forward to further consultation and discussion.”
Moriarty highlighted the significance of MLA Jane Thornthwaite’s 2012 private member’s bill on Standards of Care for Breeders of Companion Animals for its role in advancing government and public attention to this serious issue.
BC SPCA seizes 82 animals from Surrey breeder
The BC SPCA has seized 82 animals from a breeding/boarding facility in Surrey. The 67 cats, 12 dogs and three puppies were seized during a warrant executed by BC SPCA constables on Feb. 16. Two of the animals – one adult cat and one kitten – had to be euthanized last evening because of critical distress.
“The individual being investigated failed to provide adequate care for the animals and as a result the 84 animals were seized under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act,” said Marcie Moriarty, chief prevention and enforcement officer for the BC SPCA. The animals are currently being held under a protective hold and are not available for public viewing or adoption.
The 67 cats taken into BC SPCA custody were primarily Persians and short-haired exotics. The seized dogs included four French bulldogs, a Boston terrier, a Pomeranian with three puppies, a Chihuahua, a poodle, a Rottweiler, a Doberman, a Jack Russell terrier and a shiba inu.
The investigation continues and the BC SPCA will be recommending charges.
The BC SPCA investigates more than 10,000 complaints of animal cruelty across B.C. each year and is funded primarily by community donations. To join the fight against animal cruelty, please visit spca.bc.ca/support.
Photos by Kimmie Hubbard
The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a not-for-profit organization reliant on public donations. Our mission is to protect and enhance the quality of life for domestic, farm and wild animals in B.C.
