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Puppy mills targeted |
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Written by Citizen Staff
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Sunday, 11 May 2008 |
The Prince George SPCA is cracking down on puppy mills, closing two of them down already in the local region and about half a dozen more in their sights.
"I know there are at least five large-scale operations that I am aware of between Quesnel and Vanderhoof," said SPCA Special Const. Debbie Goodine, stopping short of calling any of them currently engaged in illegal activity. "We will monitor them. There are standards and there are consequences for not living up to those standards."
Goodine said the law allows anyone buying and selling animals the opportunity to fix any shortfalls they may have in the care of those animals before Goodine can seize the livestock and/or lay charges. She has been in contact with these vendors in question to explain how living conditions have to improve for their dogs.
"Food is not usually the issue," Goodine explained, describing the typical conditions she sees at delinquent puppy mills. "Usually it is the sanitation, the ventilation, enrichment of the dogs' lives which basically means opportunity for mental stimulation, socialization, medical care, and spacing can be a concern, either too many dogs in one space or animals in too much isolation."
Goodine said it is "absolutely possible with the right facilities and the right knowledge," to have a dog breeding operation that meets all standards of animal care. However, typically the people who attempt to make money selling puppies and run afoul of animal abuse laws are doing so not based on a sound business plan but more to supplement subsistence incomes. Often they are in rural areas far from everyday public scrutiny.
Goodine said most are noncompliant only out of ignorance of the law and basic hygiene. They are not trying to deliberately hurt animals and most take steps to comply when she directs them to do so. Alternately, some freely give up ownership of the maltreated animals.
She has experienced more than one case of danger, however, at the hands of animal abusers so she always approaches alleged puppy mill operations with caution. Unlike other law enforcement officials, she is not authorized to carry a firearm and she is often out of cell phone range in remote locations.
"I've had people come at me up the driveway with rifles or machetes," she said. "The RCMP is really good about coming with me to enforce the peace if I have reason to believe I might be threatened. But I don't always know what I'm going to meet up with. If people abuse their animals, they are typically not the kind of person to behave gently with people."
"The law provides me with the power of inspection for anyone who has animals for sale, hire or exhibition," she added. "I do not need to give any notice. If I believe there are animals in distress and I get a door shut in my face, there are my grounds to get a warrant, and with the new regulations provided by the provincial government, I can now get that warrant over the phone while I am standing there."
The new regulations also expanded the definition of animal distress to include such living conditions as ventilation, appropriate living space and access to veterinary care when needed.
Goodine said another key document has been recently revamped to help the dog breeding industry. The Code of Practise For Canadian Kennel Operations is about a year old, written by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association. She suggests anyone who sells puppies should familiarize themselves with this book to ensure their own operation is within guidelines.
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 11 May 2008 )
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These breeders have no conscience. Breeding dogs in outside sheds-cold, damp, isolated. If these inconsiderate breeders have to make a living off these poor little animals, they are very poor specimens of humanity.
I had one lady explain gleefully how her old dog, (small breed), had become pregnant while being cared for by someone else-had 8 puppies, and she was looking forward to a $2,000.00 boost to her income. She does not care to speak to me after I voiced my opinion re her pleased attitude. I would not even consider cultivating a friendship with such a woman.
I am 100% behind the closing of "puppy mills," and once again, I can only commend Debbie Goodine for her actions in this regard.
Stop these ignorant people from capitalizing on the misfortune of these poor animals which have no voice or choice.
For those who do not get found out-how I hope it is true-"what goes around-comes around." I hope the payback is painful, and long term.