File photo (Image Credit: Image Credit: BC SPCA)

By Aaron Schulze

Fifteen Dogs Seized

Clearwater dog breeder guilty of animal cruelty breaches conditional sentence, will serve remaining time behind bars

Feb 9, 2026 | 11:20 AM

CLEARWATER, B.C. — A Clearwater man who was found guilty of animal cruelty will spend time behind bars after breaching his conditional sentence multiple times. 

According to the BC SPCA, Kurtis Elliot was sentenced to one year of house arrest on May 27, 2025 after he was found guilty of causing damage to animals by failing to provide necessaries for them. It comes after the SPCA took in 15 emaciated dogs from Elliot’s property in Clearwater in 2023, saying he was breeding and selling Cane Corso puppies for profit during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Along with the house arrest, Elliot was prohibited from owning, having the custody or control of, or residing in the same premises as an animal or bird for 10 years. The SPCA wanted Elliot to receive a lifetime ban on owning animals.

However, Elliot was found to have breached his house arrest condition in September 2025. Appearance files from B.C. Court Services Online (CSO) show bench warrants were issued for Elliot on Sept. 15 and 23. 

While Elliot’s conditional sentence was reinstated on Dec. 15, the SPCA says he breached his house arrest condition again. CSO files show bench warrants were issued on Dec. 24, 2025, and Jan. 20, 2026. 

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In Clearwater Provincial Court on Jan. 27, the SPCA says Elliot’s conditional sentence order was terminated and he will serve the remainder of his sentence in a “traditional custodial facility.” It’s expected that Elliot will remain in jail until early July 2026.

In 2023, the BC Farm Industry Review Board (BCFIRB) denied Elliot’s appeal to have his adult dogs returned to him. It was revealed that two dogs were surrendered by Elliot on Jan. 9, 2023, while six dogs and seven puppies were seized the next day. The industry review board also found Elliot liable for the costs claimed by the BC SPCA in taking care of the seized dogs, totaling $7,608. 

In a news release issued Monday (Feb. 9), the SPCA says Elliot’s dogs were found to be living in distress amongst built-up feces and suffering from frostbite due to being kept outdoors in subzero temperatures. 

“They were severely emaciated and without access to food or water. In effort to ward off their hunger, the dogs and puppies were ingesting any items they could find, including plastic, bedding and plywood,” the SPCA says. “Despite extensive veterinary efforts, three of the dogs were in such poor physical and psychological conditions that humane euthanasia was required to relieve their suffering.” 

As of March 2023, the seven puppies seized by the SCPA found new homes through adoption.