17 golden retriever puppies given to BC SPCA

The BC SPCA says 17 golden retriever puppies, along with four adults, are just the latest in an influx of dogs coming to the society following the pandemic.

A representative with the group says this comes as the demand to take home the furry-friends has dropped as people return to the workplace.

“People were very keen to get pets during the isolation of COVID and we saw an increase in the number of people breeding animals during that time. Now that people are back to work and to their regular routines, the market has dropped off and we are getting calls for help from breeders who are overwhelmed with the number of animals in their care,” said Eileen Drever, a BC SPCA spokesperson.

The BC SPCA says 17 golden retriever puppies, along with four adults, are just the latest in an influx of dogs coming to the society following the pandemic demand. (Photo courtesy BC SPCA)

Drever says that people who set up breeding operations during the pandemic are closing down, leaving a “record number” of pets in the care of the BC SPCA.

“It’s a bit shocking. Prior to COVID, we very rarely would see puppies come into our shelters,” she said.

The BC SPCA says the golden retriever puppies will be up for adoption after they clear a medical exam. (Photo courtesy BC SPCA)

“Since COVID, we have had a large number of puppies come into our centers, and mainly from people [who were] breeding puppies to make money during COVID.”

In the case of the 21 golden retrievers that recently came, the BC SPCA says they were surrendered by a breeder.

“The breeder actually reached out to us looking for help to rehome these dogs,” Drever said.

The BC SPCA says 17 golden retriever puppies, along with four adults, are just the latest in an influx of dogs coming to the society following the pandemic demand. (Photo courtesy BC SPCA)

“The individual did the right thing for the dogs by reaching out to us so that we could find new, loving homes for them.”

Although Drever says the group is happy to help, they are having a hard time keeping up.

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“We always want people to contact us if they need help, but the surge in large-scale intakes is definitely putting a strain on our resources.”

On top of this, the group says they are dealing with a “number of files” that potentially involve getting even more large-scale intakes of dogs.

The golden retriever puppies will be up for adoption after they are cleared by a medical team.

-With files from Kurtis Doering