Skip to content

SPCA seizes 66 malnourished dogs in Langley

An alleged puppy mill was raided by SPCA officials recently.
50977langleyadvancePuppyMill2
This dog seized by the SPCA had lost an eye. Other dogs seized Feb. 4 had broken limbs or were missing ears.

The B.C. SPCA has seized 66 neglected dogs and puppies from a Langley site it called a puppy mill.

The 32 adult dogs and 34 puppies were seized from a Langley breeder on Feb. 4, according to Marcie Moriarty, chief prevention and enforcement officer for the BC SPCA.

Langley RCMP said the site was located near 256th Street and 85th Avenue.

The dogs, including English sheep dogs, Bernese mountain dogs, wheaton terriers, standard and miniature poodles and Portuguese water dogs, had serious medical issues, according to an SPCA press release.

Some dogs had broken limbs, missing ears and eyes, infections and abscesses, dental disease, and severely matted and feces-caked fur. They were malnourished.

Moriarty said the dogs and puppies were kept in small stacked cages in dark, unheated buildings. There were dangerous ammonia levels from accumulated urine, Moriarty said.

“Many of these dogs required urgent medical care and many others show signs of fearfulness due to lack of socialization,” Moriarty said.

“It is inconceivable to think that anyone allowed these innocent animals to suffer like this,” she added.

The SPCA is preparing a report to Crown Counsel and recommending criminal charges.

The SPCA was alerted to the situation by a member of the public, Moriarty said.

She urged people to use the SPCA’s online and print resources to learn how to tell the difference between legitimate breeders and puppy mills.

The 66 seized dogs are currently in protective hold with the SPCA.

They are not being kept in Langley, as the local Langley Animal Protection Society was not involved in the seizure.

The Vancouver SPCA shelter is asking for donations of blankets, towels, and dog beds for the influx of animals.



Matthew Claxton

About the Author: Matthew Claxton

Raised in Langley, as a journalist today I focus on local politics, crime and homelessness.
Read more