Almost 60 dogs and cats have been rescued from a suspected puppy mill from a residence in Mission by BC SPCA animal protection officers.
Forty-six Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers, both adults and puppies, along with 12 Persian-type cats and kittens, were rescued on Nov. 28. Some of the puppies were only a few hours old. One adult Rottweiler was also seized.
BC SPCA senior animal protection officer Eileen Drever says the dogs were kept inside tiny, filthy cages littered with urine and excrement.
The neglected animals were suffering ailments including untreated eye and skin infections, gum disease, matted fur and overgrown nails.
A number of the dogs exhibited aggressive behavior.
"It's absolutely disgusting that someone would permit an animal to live in such desperate misery like this," says Drever. "It breaks my heart."
The animals are now under veterinary care, where one of the Chihuahuas gave birth to four puppies over the weekend.
Drever said the SPCA will recommend charges of animal cruelty against the breeder. She cautioned those thinking about buying a puppy from a pet store for Christmas to learn more about where it came from.
"Few pet stores deal with reputable breeders and in fact most deal with breeders such as this one," says Drever. "And when we patronize their stores, we are in fact contributing to, causing and perpetuating the pain and suffering of companion animals."
Last year, the BC SPCA investigated 4,600 complaints.
Another 100 dogs and puppies were rescued from another alleged puppy mill in Meaford, Ont., by the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal on Monday night.
