One of the silky terriers taken away from a breeder in Cowichan. Credit: B.C. SPCA
The B.C. SPCA has removed 15 badly-neglected silky terriers from a dog breeder in Cowichan.
The 10 female and five male dogs, who ranged from one to nine-years-old, were legally surrendered after a brief B.C. SPCA investigation. The SPCA said the dogs had badly matted fur and overgrown nails. They were also soaked in urine and feces. Two adult German Shepherd dogs were also put into SPCA care.
The individuals involved in this case have also signed a written agreement with the B.C. SPCA to not own or take possession of any new animals.
The Silky Terriers are in SPCA foster homes through the SPCA’s Cowichan & District and Comox Valley Branches. There are adoptions pending.
Marcie Moriarty, chief prevention and enforcement officer for the B.C. SPCA, said in a statement that this case highlights why new legislation was passed this spring, which regulates dog and cat breeding in B.C., is necessary.
“We were lucky in this case that we were able to intercede early, but without regulations of this industry we see too many situations that can slip through the cracks and the animals are the ones who suffer,” Moriarty said.
One of the silky terriers taken away from a breeder in Cowichan. Credit: B.C. SPCA
Alexa Huffman
