Eight pit bulls, including three puppies, were seized by the BC SPCA from an Abbotsford home last Friday after they were found to be in need of immediate veterinary care.
Marcie Moriarty, SPCA chief prevention and enforcement officer, said some the animals were emaciated and were suffering from untreated lacerations.
She said the puppies were underweight and dehydrated, and there were concerns about the unsanitary conditions of the home.
“The home is most certainly not inhabitable … The conditions most certainly warranted the seizure of the animals.”
Moriarty said the owners of the home suffer from mental health issues, and the hospital alerted the SPCA about the possible neglect of the dogs.
SPCA constables and officers with the Abbotsford Police Department went to the home with a search warrant on Friday afternoon. The pit bulls were taken immediately.
Moriarty said one of the dogs required emergency surgery to clean and close some large wounds.
The animals are now in the care of the SPCA and all are receiving veterinary treatment. Moriarty could not say what shelters they are in.
The owners have 14 days, from the seizure, to either seek the return of the animals or to surrender them to the SPCA.
If they are surrendered, they could be placed for adoption, although Moriarty said that would not be immediate.
“The reality is that these dogs were living in such severe conditions, with complete lack of socialization, that it may take some time to work with (them),” she said.
“When/if they do become available, they will be on our website, but likely will take a very specialized owner.”
Moriarty said she could not elaborate further on what led to the condition of the dogs, or provide the location of the home, because the investigation is in the early stages.
Criminal charges might be considered, but Moriarty said the case is a difficult one due to the mental health issues involved.
She said this was the first time the SPCA had visited the residence.