350 puppies surrendered to BC SPCA this year
Posted April 5, 2023 1:43 pm.
Last Updated April 5, 2023 1:44 pm.
The BC SPCA says hundreds of puppies have been surrendered to the society this year, adding that more are likely on the way.
The society says that compared to last year, more of the animals have been taken into its care.
“We have had almost 350 puppies come into care so far, compared to 200 at this time last year,” said Eileen Drever, the BC SPCA’s senior officer for protection and stakeholder relations in a news release.
In one recent case, the BC SPCA says over a dozen young pups were brought in.
“A breeder in Surrey surrendered 17 dogs (11 eight-day-old yellow Labrador retrievers, three 10-week-old border collie-cross puppies and five adult retriever mixes) to the BC SPCA’s care – an example of the ongoing influx of puppies from breeders and other sources,” Drever explained.
The BC SPCA says hundreds of puppies have been surrendered to the society this year. (Courtesy BC SPCA)
The majority of cuddly canines coming in are a result of the pandemic, the society explains.
Many chose to breed dogs as a way of making money as more people decided to get pets during the lockdowns.
But now, the BC SPCA says things have changed and people can’t keep up.
Drever says the breeders are “overwhelmed with the costs of caring for animals,” and the demand to get pets has dropped.
In February, 17 golden retriever puppies, along with four adults, were brought in by a breeder that needed help.
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)
Related article: 17 golden retriever puppies given to BC SPCA
Consequently, the BC SPCA, says this is “putting a strain” on its own resources, adding that some of the recent puppies needed medical treatment.
“Although puppies do tend to get adopted more quickly than adult dogs, puppies and their moms require a huge commitment of time and energy from the BC SPCA’s foster volunteers,” Drever said.
“Moms and their puppies require round-the-clock care until the puppies are weaned. The puppies also need to be house-trained and socialized.”
The BC SPCA says hundreds of puppies have been surrendered to the society this year. (Courtesy BC SPCA)
It looks like more puppies will likely continue to come in, as Drever says people “still think this is a good way to earn quick money and don’t understand the amount of care required and the costs involved.
“We encourage everyone to make sure they are getting their dogs from reputable breeders. Or better still, adopt a dog from the BC SPCA or a rescue organization with a good reputation.”
