
Supplied: BCSPCA Website
The BC SPCA says backyard breeders are to blame for an overcrowding of dogs at its animal shelters leading to a call for people looking to foster some of the full grown dogs and puppies.
Senior Protection Officer Eileen Drever says before COVID there was a shortage of dogs in the Interior and the Lower Mainland. That changed as so called backyard breeders took advantage of the shortage at the onset of the pandemic.
Since these breeders have been unable to find people to buy the dogs, Drever says it has led to an increase in the number of dogs and puppies at BC SCPA shelters.
“A recent intake we had was 21 healthy golden retrievers surrendered (from Quesnel), which includes 17 puppies,” she said.
In several instances, Drever says they have had to remove puppies and dogs from their breeders whom were neglecting them.
“In January we seized 63 dogs from an alleged rescue, and the owner is disputing the seizure which everybody’s entitled to do if we execute a warrant and remove the animal, they can do that, but those 63 dogs are tying everything up as well,” Drever said, noting it has led to a “crisis situation” at the BC SPCA.
Speaking on NL Newsday, she says it is why the SPCA is looking for people to foster some of the dogs and puppies.
“If anybody can come forward, and you can’t make that lifelong commitment, but you’re willing to foster for a few weeks or months or so that would be amazing,” said Drever. “Then you can take the dog out of the community animal center, and then we can bring some more in.”
She notes backyard breeders are often fueled by people who are willing to shell out thousands of dollars for a puppy, something she stresses has to stop.
“I’ve had people say they’ve rescued a puppy but paid $3,000 or $4,000, well what you’re doing is you’re lining the pockets of these backyard breeders and encouraging them to breed more,” Drever said.
“Now, look at the fallout, we’ve got all these puppies, and we have some more dogs coming in, and it has to stop somewhere.”
For anyone looking to foster or adopt a dog or puppy, Drever says to head to the BC SPCA website. Those wanting to donate, can click here.