By Adam Donnelly

Local breeder reacts to new rules

Feb 23, 2016 | 4:04 PM

KAMLOOPS — British Columbia has some of the toughest animal cruelty laws in all of Canada, and they’re about to get tougher. On Monday, Premier Christie Clark announced a new code of conduct for animal breeders in the province, after the BC SPCA seized over 140 abused and neglected animals earlier this month. “We want to send the strongest message possible to irresponsible breeders, that [they] are not welcome in British Columbia,” said Clark, at the announcement in Vancouver on Monday.

WATCH: Local breeder reacts to new rules

One local breeder and kennel operator welcomes the stricter rules about housing these animals. Linda Cline has been breeding, training, and boarding dogs for over 20 years. She takes the welfare of the animals in her care very seriously. “What you have to understand, is these people that are raising volumes of dogs, they don’t care about the dog. You know, they care about the money,” said Cline, in an interview at her facility, Someday Retrievers, in Cherry Creek.

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The announcement yesterday is the first step in the BC Government’s commitment to animal welfare, but the big question surrounding such legislation will be who enforces the new law? “The reality is, who’s going to be out there to watch, right? There’s gotta be someone who’s out there, checking these facilities,” Cline said.

Cline says it’s important to take certain steps to get to know your breeder if you’re in the market for a new puppy; of course, it’s important to understand the commitment it takes to care for your pets, so they can lead a long and happy life.