First bunch of Langley puppy mill dogs cleared for adoption

The first group of dogs and puppies seized from a Langley puppy mill at the beginning of February will be available for adoption this week.

Twenty-three of the 66 puppy mill dogs have been medically cleared for adoption at the Vancouver SPCA.

The dogs that have been cleared include:

• eight adult Wheaton terriers
• three adult Old English sheepdogs
• three adult Portuguese water dogs
• one adult Bernese mountain dog
• one adult standard poodle
• five 11-week-old standard poodle puppies
• two five-month-old Portuguese water dog puppies

The seizure made headlines due to some of the dogs, mostly Bernese and Labradoodles, having broken limbs, missing ears and eyes, infections and being 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. This was the BC SPCA’s largest-ever seizure.

Following the seizure, the SPCA said it was overwhelmed by the public’s generosity after they put out a call for donations to help the 66 dogs.

And now due to the overwhelming interest in the dogs, the BC SPCA is holding three information sessions on March 2 for anyone interested in putting in an adoption application. Attendance at one of the sessions is mandatory for any applicants due to the special needs of the dogs.

The dogs will not be at the information sessions but staff will be available to discuss each of the available dogs in detail with potential adopters.

“We are truly grateful to the hundreds of people who have expressed interest in opening their homes to these dogs, but we want to make sure that anyone putting in an application fully understands the care that will be required to meet their ongoing behavioural and psychological needs,” says Lorie Chortyk, general manager of community relations for the BC SPCA.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "We are truly grateful to the hundreds of people who have expressed interest in opening their homes to these dogs, but we want to make sure that anyone putting in an application fully understands the care that will be required to meet their ongoing behavioural and psychological needs," says Lorie Chortyk, general manager of community relations for the BC SPCA.

“Some issues commonly faced by dogs raised in puppy mills include fearfulness due to lack of socialization, compulsive behaviours, house-soiling and sensitivity to touch. With the proper care and attention these dogs have a wonderful future, but we want to make sure that people understand the commitment they are taking on.”

The sessions will be held at 4:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in Room 1228B at Vancouver Community College, 1155 East Broadway. Pre-registration is required.

More of the Langley dogs and puppies will be available for adoption in the coming weeks, as they are medically cleared. But the Vancouver SPCA shelter will remain closed until mid-March to ensure bio-security protocols stay in place for the remaining dogs in care.

“Our goal in holding the information sessions is to match the specific needs of each dog with an individual or family who has the time, skills and patience to help them reach their full potential,” says Chortyk.

“The dogs have been through so much and we just want the adoption process to be a success for both the animals and for the wonderful people opening their hearts and homes to them.”