Three people have been charged with animal cruelty in the largest animal seizure in B.C. history.
The incident took place in February 2016 when the BC SPCA seized 66 “sick and neglected dogs and puppies” from a Langley property.
Glen Lawlor, Maria Wall Lawlor, and James Dale Shively have been charged with two counts of animal cruelty under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
“We are very pleased with the charges and we hope this sends a message that this type of neglect and cruelty is not acceptable to British Columbians,” said Moriarty in a release.
The 32 adult dogs and 34 puppies seized included Old English Sheepdogs, Bernese Mountain dogs, Standard Poodles and Wheaten Terriers.
The dogs were in care of the SPCA for several months being treated for “serious medical issues.” Some of the animals were suffering from broken limbs, missing ears and eyes, infections, dental disease and severe matting.
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According to the BC SPCA, some of the dogs have since been adopted into loving homes.
WATCH: Langley puppy mill survivor reunion one year after seizure
“The BC SPCA has a number of web and print resources that outline the difference between legitimate breeders and puppy mills,” said Moriarty.
“We urge people to arm themselves with knowledge and to immediately call our animal cruelty hotline (1-855-622-7722) to report any suspicious situations where animals may be in distress.”
The BC SPCA investigates more than 10,000 complaints of animal cruelty across B.C. each year.