Langley puppy breeding business owners named in SPCA search warrant

ALangleypuppybreeding and selling businessthatwas the target of a raid the B.C. SPCA raid described as one of the largest puppy mill busts in B.C., is run byMariaLawlorand her husband Glenn, according toanSPCAsearch warrant obtained byCBC News.

The warrant that resulted in the seizure of 66 dogs also connects the Lawlors to James and Tarasa Shively, who wereconvicted of animal cruelty in Washington Stateand banned from possessing dogs for two years in February 2014.

Tarasa Shively is theLawlors daughter.According to the search warrant, all fourhave jointlyoperated breeding facilities in the past.

TheLangleyfacility has been the focus of numerous complaints since October 2009, according to the court documents.

"These people were professionals at evading the law. This complaint was detailed enough and provided us sufficient legal grounds to go straight to get a warrant," saidMarcieMoriarty, theB.C.SPCA'schief enforcement officer.

According to theSPCA,34puppiesand 32 adult dogs were living in small crates and cages stacked in dark, unheated buildings with dangerous ammonia levels resulting from accumulated urine. TheSPCAis recommending criminal charges be laid.

• Puppymillbust one of the largest ever in B.C., saysSPCA

An overwhelming response

Dozens of people donated food, blanketsand towels to theSPCAafter Tuesday's report of the seizure.

"It's been absolutely incredible and so heartwarming. Mostly they just want to know the animals are OK. they want to know they are helping in some way," said Jane Talbot, director of regional operations at the B.C.SPCA.

But theSPCAsays it now has more than enough supplies for the dogs, and that what it needs now is monetary donations to pay for the animals' treatment.The malnourished animals had broken limbs, missing ears and eyes, infections and abscesses.

• Rescued dogs from Langley breeder start rehabilitation
• Warning signs that you are buying from apuppymill

"We're starting to shift our focus to the medical costs for the animals and we expect them to be in the tens of thousands of dollars, so we are grateful for any financial donations."

People can donate to the BCSPCAhere.