The future is already looking brighter for four neglected dogs that were discovered tethered in the mud and living in their own urine and feces at a backyard breeder’s house in B.C.
The BC SPCA began investigating the Maple Ridge property after receiving several complaints from people who had adopted puppies.
Christine Carey, a BC SPCA animal protection officer, said callers were extremely concerned about the welfare of the other dogs because their puppies were extremely ill, had been vomiting worms and needed emergency vet care.
When Carey arrived at the property she found an Anatolian shepherd called Reena tethered in the mud.
"It broke my heart to see such a friendly and beautiful dog tethered in the mud with no clean dry place to lay down,” Carey said.
“I simply cannot imagine how someone could walk by Reena every day and ignore the wagging tail, desperate for some attention.”
She said another dog, named Zilky, a Dutch shepherd, was confined outdoors without shelter or bedding in an area strewn with garbage, feces and scrap metal.
Caucasian shepherds Lilou and Pasanya were found in a dirty utility trailer that had a small opening for light and ventilation.
“I could hear Pasanya whining before I located her at the back of the property,” Carey said.
“She was sticking her heard out of a small opening in this dark and smelly trailer and looking at me with such a kind and friendly gaze.”
The owner surrendered the four female dogs, each about a year old, to the SPCA.
They are now being cared for and treated for various conditions at the animal organization’s Abbotsford and Chilliwack branches.
The SPCA said Reena was receiving care for skin inflammation on both front paws and walks with an abnormal gait. They said she would be booked in to see a specialist to examine her hips to determine if she needs surgery.
"Pasanya is underweight and is receiving daily treatment for a hematoma, a swollen abscess on her face caused by a dog bite," the SPCA said.
"Lilou is also underweight and developed a skin infection on her paws from standing in feces. SPCA staff are giving her daily medicated baths to get rid of the infection."
The four pooches are in need of loving fur-ever homes and are available for adoption.
Zilky and Rena are being cared for at the Abbotsford Branch. While Pasanya and Lilou, two fearful but sweet young dogs, are being looked after by the Chilliwack Branch.
The BC SPCA said it was continuing to advocate for breeder regulations that would outline standards of care for dogs and cats in this largely unregulated industry.
You can help these dogs here.
