Glenda Luymes/Special to the Langley Advance
Surrey bylaw officers are investigating reports that a kennel where 82 animals were seized by the SPCA is back in business.
In February, SPCA staff rescued 67 cats, 12 dogs and three puppies from a boarding and breeding facility on Colebrook Road on the Surrey/Langley border.
The number of animals suffering from ringworm at the facility was “unprecedented,” B.C. SPCA chief enforcement officer Marcie Moriarty said at the time. Two of the cats were so sick they had to be euthanized. The facility was bording animals belonging to others.
The animal protection agency recommended cruelty charges, but is awaiting charge approval from Crown counsel.
Reports that the facility may be operating again are “very frustrating,” said Moriarty. “Unfortunately there’s no automatic (ban). If you’ve had animals seized, we can’t prevent you from owning animals.”
A judge can impose a ban if someone is convicted of animal cruelty.
Surrey bylaw manager Jas Rehal said the city revoked the business licence for the kennel in February, but received reports that it was operating again two days ago. The owner could face fines or court action if found to be operating without a licence.
When contacted Thursday, kennel owner Ivy Zhou said her business was not taking animals.
“We are in the process of applying for a new licence,” she said through a translator.
Zhou said the animals seized in February were returned to their owners, and she does not have space to take them back.
Zhou was the subject of an SPCA raid at a different location in 2014. Several neighbours complained about dogs with their snouts taped shut. The animals were seized and her business licence was revoked. The investigation did not result in charges.
- Glenda Luymes is a reporter with the Vancouver Sun.
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