One of the 13 miniature dachshunds seized by the BC SPCA (Image Credit: BC SPCA/Contributed)

By Victor Kaisar

Animal Seizure

BC SPCA seizes 13 miniature dachshunds from irresponsible breeder north of Kamloops

Mar 26, 2026 | 3:07 PM

100 MILE HOUSE, B.C. — The BC SPCA says it has seized 13 miniature dachshunds from an irresponsible breeder located between 100 Mile House and Clearwater on Thursday (March 19) of last week, and it will be recommending charges to Crown Counsel. 

The BC SPCA says the animals were seized following an investigation, which began after a tip was called in by someone who had bought a puppy – which was advertised online – from a breeder. The SPCA said that person was “concerned about the welfare of the remaining dogs.”

In a statement, the BC SPCA says the dogs – which ranged in age from 12 weeks old to 12 years old – were housed individually in small cages at a property with heat issues and no running water. They note their bedding was caked with feces and soaked in urine, and the majority of the dogs did not have access to water.

The SPCA said many of the dogs had severely overgrown nails that were curling under, and in one case, a veterinarian had to surgically remove an embedded claw from the dog’s paw.  

Almost all adult dogs are suffering from severe dental disease, the SPCA added.

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“The condition of these dogs’ teeth is unlike anything I’ve ever seen,” Jamie Wiltse, regional manager of animal protection services at the BC SPCA said. “In all my years working with animals, I’ve never seen such severe dental disease.” 

In addition to their health concerns, Wiltse says it was obvious the dogs were poorly socialized as well. 

“The fact that they were more comfortable in their crates than around humans was sad to see,” Wiltse added. “They seemed quite wary of human touch, but with patience and encouragement, they eventually warmed up to our animal protection officers.”

The BC SPCA is urging people to be aware of the signs of irresponsible breeding, and they’re asking people to keep four tips in mind to ensure they’re not accidentally supporting irresponsible breeding: 

• A responsible breeder should be happy and willing to show you their facility and introduce you to the puppy’s family. The mom should be on-site, and there shouldn’t be more than two to three breeds or litters present. 
• All animals, including the mom, should be visibly healthy, social, and well-cared for.  
• A responsible breeder will ask questions about your lifestyle and expectations. They will be willing to answer questions about socialization, health, genetics, and living conditions. Be sure to ask these types of questions.
• Do not purchase a pet from anyone who asks to meet you in a shopping centre, parking lot or somewhere other than their breeding facility.

The 13 animals are currently decompressing and being cared for at an undisclosed BC SPCA location. They are not currently available for adoption, but more pictures can be found here.

The BC SPCA says people who are concerned about an animal in distress, should call the BC SPCA Helpline at 1-855-622-7722.