The BC SPCA has taken 66 dogs into its care after seizing them from a Langley puppy mill last Thursday.
Some of the dogs, mostly Bernese and Labradoodles, had broken limbs, missing ears and eyes, infections and were malnourished. They were living in small, stacked crates and investigators said there were dangerous levels of ammonia in the building due to the accumulated urine.
Many of the dogs were so matted and covered in feces that officers were forced to wear masks and protective suits when they were rescued.
WATCH: Footage of the dogs being taken from the puppy mill
Dozens of volunteers were needed to help clean the animals and shave them. This is the BC SPCA’s largest-ever seizure.
Global News contacted the breeder for comment on the seizure, but she refused to comment and hung up the phone.
The BC SPCA says it will be preparing a report for Crown and will be recommending charges.
The Vancouver shelter is requesting donations of blankets, towels and dog beds to help keep the dogs and puppies warm and comfortable. If you can help, please drop items off at the Vancouver SPCA shelter, 1205 East 7 Avenue.
Mary Giuffre, a resident of Bewdley, Ontario, rescued her dog, Ruby, from a puppy mill after she had spent six years in a cage as a breeding dog. She died two years after her rescue.
Giuffre has now started a national campaign to address puppy mills in Canada. Called ‘Ruby’s Love Letter Legacy‘, it urges all residents to write to their MPs, MPPs and MLAs and urge them to toughen laws and stop the growth of puppy mills.
MP for Beaches-East York, Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, has already stated he is working on strengthening animal welfare legislation in Canada and is part of this campaign.
More information can be found on Ruby’s Love Letter Legacy Facebook page.
WATCH: SPCA cruelty seizure