BC SPCA animal protection officers have seized 31 adult German shepherds and 12 puppies from a breeder on a property southeast of Prince George.
Dogs found in "horrible" conditions have been seized from a breeder southeast of Prince George.
“The conditions these dogs were living in were horrible,” says Marcie Moriarty, the BC SPCA’s chief of protection and outreach services. “The plywood floors in their outdoor kennels were soaked with urine and there were piles of feces. The stench was overwhelming.”
There were 31 adult German shepherds and 12 puppies. Moriarty said that when found, the dogs were exhibiting signs of distress, from circling and weaving inside their kennels to bashing their muzzles into the walls.
“When our animal protection officers entered their kennels, the dogs were so paralyzed with fear that some just cowered in the back corner, staring into the wall," she said. "It was heartbreaking.”
Officers realized how underweight the dogs were when they were lifting them into crates for transportation to the BC SPCA’s North Cariboo animal centre in Prince George.
“Their body condition scores range from a three to as low as a one out of nine,” Moriarty said. “An ideal score would be 5.”
Water was found in each kennel but there was no signs of food, she added.
The dogs are currently being assessed at the animal centre. Most of the older dogs are suffering from stiff, arthritic joints, damaged teeth and some have painful stomach issues or visible wounds.
The investigation is ongoing. It is not yet known when these dogs will be available for adoption.
