Suspected puppy mill raided by SPCA

The SPCA in Chilliwack has raided a suspected puppy mill and seized 14 dogs suffering from various health issues, officials say.

The two males and 14 females were believed to have been kept for breeding purposes, said local SPCA manager Ivanna Ferris.

"They don't show any forms of aggression at all," said Ferris. "They don't know what to do outside of the cage environment. When you take them out for walks they haven't had any experience with that."

Most are three or four years old appear to have lived in cages since since they were born, she said.

The shih tzus, chihuahuas, pugs and terrier crosses were seized after a complaint from a member of the public, said Ferris.

The owner of the suspected puppy mill is reported to breed dogs in other locations and operate a pet store.

He's well known to the SPCA and two of his other locations are also under investigation, according to Eileen Drever, a senior animal protection officer.

"He has always complied in the past," said Drever "[But] this is definitely an ongoing problem."

Charges possible

The owner could face charges under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act or under the Criminal Code.

Drever said the seizure highlights the need for better laws to stop the sale of puppy mill dogs.

"Ideally, pet stores wouldn't be selling puppies and dogs [and] that people who are interested in purchasing a puppy would go to a reputable breeder or animal shelter."

Next week, Richmond city council will consider a bylaw that would ban selling dogs in pet stores.

Langley considered a similar bylaw recently, but rejected it.

The owner of the dogs seized in Chilliwack has two weeks to apply for a court injunction to get them back.

If he chooses not to or is unsuccessful in the courts, the animals would be put up for adoption once they're healthy, said Ferris.