Warning: Images may be disturbing
SPCA staff caring for 45 Havanese and Havanese-cross dogs surrendered by a former breeder outside Victoria last week. The dogs had extremely matted fur with their own feces and were living in a home with high levels of ammonia.
Dozens of Havanese and Havanese-cross dogs are in the care of the SPCA at shelters throughout Vancouver Island after being rescued from a former breeder last week outside Victoria.
The SPCA is recommending animal cruelty charges after the dogs’ coats were found extremely matted with feces and urine and were living in conditions inside a home that had high levels of ammonia.
SPCA chief prevention and enforcement officer Marcie Moriarty said extensive bathing and grooming was needed before assessing the dogs’ physical and mental conditions could be done.
One of 45 dogs rescued by the SPCA from a former breeder outside Victoria April 12.
Investigators said the dogs were surrendered by the individual outside Victoria April 12 and the former breeder was cooperative in giving up the animals, that range in age of one-and-a-half to 15-years-old.
The individual had stopped selling dogs about five years ago.
45 Havanese and Havanese-cross dogs were seized by the SPCA outside Victoria April 12. The dogs were in filthy condition and the SPCA is recommending animal cruelty charges against a former breeder.
Moriarty says this case highlights an urgent need for breeder regulations.
“Whether it involves a puppy mill where a breeder is putting profits before the welfare of the animals or a situation where an individual becomes overwhelmed with the number of animals in their care, we need to have standards for breeders and a way for members of the public to identify legitimate breeders from those who are not providing good care and welfare for their animals,” Moriarty said.
One of the 45 dogs in SPCA shelters on Vancouver Island, seized April 12.
The SPCA says the dogs are currently not up for adoption.
Andy Neal
