Irresponsible Breeding of Domestic Animals in BC

Between 2016-2024 the BC SPCA has rescued at least 535 dogs, 76 cats, 27 horses, and 7 chickens from irresponsible backyard breeders.

Wait, add another 32 dogs to that total.

On August 1st I was hit yet again with another tragic story from the BC SPCA, 31 adult German Shepherds and 12 puppies from a property southeast of Prince George rescued from horrific conditions. I’ll be honest, I usually skim past a lot of the details because I don’t have the stomach for it. But that day was different. Not because of the volume of animals, although 43 is quite significant, but because it was far from the first time I’d received an email like that.

I donate to the SPCA monthly and as such get all their emails & updates. One thing has become clear, the problem of backyard breeders is only getting worse.

In April 2023 the SPCA wrote, “The BC SPCA has seen a marked increase in the number of puppies surrendered to its care this year. “We have had almost 350 puppies come into care so far, compared to 200 at this time last year,” says Eileen Drever, the BC SPCA’s senior officer for protection and stakeholder relations. Most recently, a breeder in Surrey surrendered 19 dogs (11 eight-day-old yellow Labrador retrievers, three 10-week-old border collie-cross puppies and five adult retriever mixes) to the BC SPCA’s care – an example of the ongoing influx of puppies from breeders and other sources. Drever says many of the puppies coming into SPCA care are from individuals who turned to breeding to make money during the COVID pandemic when the demand for pets was high, but who are now are overwhelmed with the costs of caring for animals as the market for their puppies has decreased.”

It takes a lot for me to get mad enough to write a letter to the government. In the past I’ve tried reaching out to my MP about banning live horse export and though he responded ultimately that bill died in the House.

But something about the sheer volume of animals, and knowing that in 2016 after two major busts there was actually some progress, I thought now was the time to use my voice.

So I wrote to my MLA, the Honourable Minister Pam Alexis who just so happens to be the Minister of Agriculture and Food. The only category that animals fit into. I’ve included the two page letter below as a PDF, feel free to read, download, or even send it to your MLA if you want. I highlighted all the major seizures from breeders I could find on the SPCA website with links to each article.

Since writing I have yet to hear from Minister Alexis, though her team has reached out to confirm she received it.

Sadly on August 13th I got yet another email -
BC SPCA animal protection officers have seized 32 Pomeranian dogs and puppies from an irresponsible breeder who was housing them in a garage with no ventilation or air conditioning on a property in Vernon. Three of the adult dogs are pregnant. The seizure took place after four puppies who were sick with canine parvovirus, commonly known as “parvo,” were surrendered to the BC SPCA on Saturday, August 3. Sadly, two have died.

BC SPCA Seizes 32 Pomeranians from Irresponsible Breeder