Fifteen starving dogs seized from Clearwater breeder after horrific neglect

Jan 11, 2023 | 4:15 PM

CLEARWATER, B.C. — DISTURBING CONTENT WARNING: The images and descriptions contained in this story may be disturbing to some readers. Photos showing emaciated dogs are posted at the end of the story.

It’s being called one of the worst cases of animal neglect in the recent history of the B.C. SPCA. The agency has seized more than a dozen extremely emaciated dogs from a breeder in Clearwater.

In a news release issued Wednesday (Jan. 11), the SPCA says the person was breeding and selling Cane Corso puppies for profit during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In total, officers seized 15 dogs in various stages of starvation. Seven of the dogs are 10-week-old puppies and eight more are under the age of 3.

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The dogs were rushed to a veterinarian for medical treatment and are now in the care of the SPCA. The release notes three of the dogs remain under “intensive veterinary care” due to their poor state of health.

“The condition of these animals was just horrific – many of them were extremely emaciated,” said Eileen Drever, the B.C. SPCA’s senior officer, protection and stakeholder relations. “It was one of the worst cases I have seen in my 42 years with the BC SPCA.”

In addition to the lack of proper sustenance, some of the dogs were kept outside all day through the winter, with no proper place to lay down or warm up.

“There was evidence that at least three of the dogs had eaten parts of a blanket from the floor, desperate for anything to eat to try to stay alive,” says Drever.

Charges of animal cruelty are being recommended to the B.C. Prosecution Service.

Image Credit: B.C. SPCA

by James Peters

Fifteen starving dogs seized from Clearwater breeder after horrific neglect

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