The BC SPCA has recovered over 40 dogs and cats living in shockingly unsanitary conditions off the coast of Vancouver Island.
Among the animals were 37 small breed dogs, including two moms with seven puppies, two Bernedoodles, as well as two large breed dogs and five cats.
They were found living in a home filled with feces, urine, and garbage—it was so bad that Eileen Drever, senior officer protection and stakeholder relations for the BC SPCA, said you could smell the feces before you entered the building.
“When the animal protection officers entered the home, they discovered the main floor was covered in what can only be described as a carpet of feces and there were incredible amounts of garbage in many of the rooms,” said Drever.
She added that they even found animals living in the walls and there was no visible food or water out for them.
“Their paws were urine stained and they had overgrown nails.”
The collection of small breed dogs are a combination of Havanese, Papillons, Poodles and Pomeranian mixes. The litters consist of two puppies that are approximately three weeks old and five puppies that are approximately six weeks old.
In a complex rescue, the animals were transported by boat to Nanaimo and the BC SPCA has taken them into their care where they are all currently being looked after by a veterinarian.
Of the dogs that have already been fully examined, many are reportedly abnormally thin and there is also evidence of dental disease.
Despite the circumstances, Drever is impressed by how remarkably well they’re doing given what they’ve been through.
“A number of the dogs were fearful, but after a night in the animal centre, they were excited to see BC SPCA staff,” she said.
It is unknown at this time when these animals will be available for adoption.
In honour of Giving Tuesday, a group of BC SPCA donors will be matching every donation up to $125,000.
If you would like to donate, you can do so on the BC SPCA’s website.
