43 German shepherds seized from irresponsible Prince George breeder

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The B.C. SPCA says it has seized 31 adult German shepherds and 12 puppies from an “irresponsible breeder” on a rural property southeast of Prince George.

The 43 dogs were taken in by animal protection officers on Tuesday from conditions described by the SPCA as “horrible.”

“The plywood floors in their outdoor kennels were soaked with urine and there were piles of feces,” said B.C. SPCA chief protection officer Marcie Moriarty in a news release Thursday. “The stench was overwhelming.”

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She said the dogs had signs of distress, like circling and weaving in their kennels and 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. It was heartbreaking,” said Moriarty.

As the officers lifted the dogs into crates to take them to the North Cariboo animal centre in Prince George, they realized how underweight the dogs were.

“Their body condition scores range from a three to as low as a one out of nine,” she says. “An ideal score would be five.”

Though water was in the kennels, there were no signs of food.

The puppies ranged from just a week old to nine months. The youngest were found with their mother in a dark basement in a plastic pool with only paper towels for bedding. Another mom and pups were in a confined space with ammonia levels so high it was physically uncomfortable for the SPCA workers.

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The dogs are being assessed and most of the older ones have stiff arthritic joints, damaged teeth and painful stomach issues or visible wounds.

Due to their precarious condition and need for veterinary care, it isn’t known when they will be available for adoption. But if you can help with their care, and that of other animals in need, the B.C. SPCA asks that you visit spca.bc.ca and consider making a donation.

jruttle@postmedia.com

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