During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an increase in demand for pets, so many started breeding as a way to “earn quick money” but now that demand has reduced, those same breeders are surrendering puppies to the BC SPCA.
According to the BC SPCA, there have been 350 puppies surrendered to care across the province, compared to 200 by the same time last year.
Recently, a breeder in Surrey surrendered 19 dogs: 11 eight-day-old yellow Labrador retrievers, three 10-week old border collie-cross puppies and five adult retriever mixes.
Eileen Drever, the BC SPCA’s senior officer for protection and stakeholder relations, says people who turned to breeding during the pandemic are now overwhelmed by the cost of caring for the puppies now that demand has decreased.
“Although puppies do tend to get adopted more quickly than adult dogs, puppies and their moms require a huge commitment of time and energy from the BC SPCA’s foster volunteers,” says Drever in a news release. “Moms and their puppies require round-the-clock care until the puppies are weaned. The puppies also need to be house-trained and socialized.”
Drever says the recent intake of puppies tested positive for roundworm and giardia.
She says she doesn’t anticipate the puppies being surrendered will slow down anytime soon.
“There are just too many people who still think this is a good way to earn quick money and don’t understand the amount of care required and the costs involved,” says Drever. “That is why we encourage everyone to make sure they are getting their dogs from reputable breeders. Or better still, adopt a dog from the BC SPCA or a rescue organization with a good reputation.”
The SPCA is looking for donations to help provide care for the puppies being surrendered across the province. The donation page can be found on the BC SPCA website.
Laura Brougham
