17 neglected puppies seized from Kamloops-area breeder

Neglected dogs were seized from a breeder near Kamloops by the BC SPCA after it received a tip on the cruelty hotline.

Sixteen neglected Pomeranian and Yorkshire terrier-cross puppies were seized from the breeder along with a three-month-old Labrador retriever, according to a BC SPCA news release.

They are now in the care of the SPCA after a warrant was executed at the Kamloops-area property.

“We have dealt with this individual in the past and she was convicted of animal cruelty in 2005, following a BC SPCA investigation where numerous dogs were seized. The judge handed down a sentence that included a ban on keeping animals, but unfortunately the ban had expired,” Marcie Moriarty, BC SPCA chief prevention and enforcement officer, said in the release.

The puppies' living conditions were unsanitary, overcrowded and lacked ventilation, the SPCA said.

Seven young chickens were also seized, which were also kept in overcrowded and unsanitary containers.

“We learned of her most recent location and activity through a complaint to our animal cruelty hotline – it appears she has been breeding puppies again and selling them for up to $2,000," Moriarty said.

The animals are currently not up for adoption as the legal process is ongoing. The SPCA will be recommending charges against the breeder.

Any updates about adopting the dogs can be found on the BC SPCA website here.

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