BC SPCA constables have removed 17 badly neglected dogs from a dog breeder in Cowichan.
The 15 Silky Terriers, ten females and 5 males, and two German shepherds ranged in age from one to nine years old.
The dogs were legally surrendered into SPCA care following a brief investigation.
The Society says the dogs were in poor condition, with badly matted fur and overgrown nails and were soaked in urine and feces.
The chief prevention and enforcement officer for the BC SPCA, Marcie Moriarty says, in addition to voluntarily surrendering all of their dogs, the individuals in this case signed a written agreement with the SPCA to not own or take possession of any new animals.
The dogs have adoptions pending.
She says the case highlights why new legislation that was passed this spring to enable regulation of dog and cat breeding in B.C. is essential.
