The BC SPCA is seeing a marked increase in the number of puppies being surrendered into its care.
BC SPCA senior protection and stakeholder relations officer Eileen Drever said many of the puppies are coming from people who started breeding dogs during the COVID-19 pandemic when demand was high, but have now been overwhelmed with the costs of caring for their animals.
“We have had almost 350 puppies come into care so far, compared to 200 at this time last year,” Drever said. “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. Moms and their puppies require round-the-clock care until the puppies are weaned. The puppies also need to be house-trained and socialized.”
As of Wednesday morning, nine dogs under one-year-old were at SPCA locations throughout northern B.C.: five in Fort St. John, two in Prince Rupert, one in Dawson Creek, one in Quesnel and none in Prince George.
The large number of puppies coming into the SPCA’s care is taxing the organization’s resources, Drever said.
“There are just too many people who still think this is a good way to earn quick money and don’t understand the amount of care required and the costs involved,” Drever said. “That is why 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.”
