Hockey players with the Vancouver Canucks brought their dogs to work as way to urge fans to help the BC SPCA, which recently seized 66 ill and neglected pooches from “deplorable conditions.”
The Feb. 4 raid on a Langley B.C. breeder is one of the largest puppy mill seizures in B.C. history. The dogs – 32 adults and 34 puppies – include Old English sheepdogs, Bernese mountain dogs, soft-coated wheaton terriers, standard poodles, miniature poodles and Portuguese water dogs.
“Many of these dogs required urgent medical care and many others show signs of fearfulness due to lack of socialization,” Marcie Moriarty, chief prevention and enforcement officer for the BC SPCA, said in a statement. “It is inconceivable to think that anyone allowed these innocent animals to suffer like this. We have to make it clear to unscrupulous breeders who sacrifice animals on the altar of profit that this type of neglect and cruelty is not acceptable to British Columbians.”
The dogs, which need food and medical care, are suffering from everything condition from infections to malnourishment to broken legs and severe matting. The estimated cost: $75,000 and rising.
So, the NHL franchise is stepping up to raise awareness and money for the non-profit organization.
The team wants fans to bring donations to the home game today against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Money and dog food can be dropped off outside Rogers Arena at 2 p.m. in the North Plaza or at the game in section 317.
#Canucks & dogs!
Team brought in their furry friends to support @BC_SPCA and their urgent call for donations. pic.twitter.com/HjVg44WFbr
— Vancouver Canucks (@VanCanucks) February 12, 2016
Phil (Bart), Gus (Bo), Puck (Miller) & Chloe (Crack)
Rico (Etem), Heidi (Sbisa), Baer (Baer) & Zoey (Vey) pic.twitter.com/LHmT01BvFA
— Vancouver Canucks (@VanCanucks) February 12, 2016
#Canucks love dogs & want you to bring $ donations for the @BC_SPCA to the North Plaza at @rogersarena tmrw at 2pm! pic.twitter.com/rSNzhVc67C
— Canucks For Kids (@Canucksforkids) February 12, 2016
After rescuing 65+ dogs last week, the BCSPCA needs our help! Every dollar makes a difference! @VanCanucks @BC_SPCA pic.twitter.com/qQxdnUNyD7
— sven baertschi (@SvenBaertschi) February 13, 2016
Help raise money for @BC_SPCA outside Rogers Arena tomorrow 2pm north plaza or section 317 in game. #myboyPuck pic.twitter.com/hVPp40caUi
— Ryan Miller (@RyanMiller3039) February 13, 2016
Donate for the dogs 🐶 #BCSPCA February 13th, 2016!
A photo posted by bohorvat (@bohorvat) on
Tomorrow! #Canucks spouses are collecting donations for @BC_SPCA outside @RogersArena from 2-4pm on the North Plaza. pic.twitter.com/Ul4ejXXSEb
— Canucks For Kids (@Canucksforkids) February 13, 2016
A tip about the conditions the dogs were living in came from the public. Officials raided the property to find multiple dogs held in stacked in kennels and cages in dark, cold buildings with “dangerous ammonia levels from accumulated urine”.
The BC SPCA is working on the file to hand to prosecutors recommending criminal charges.
The dogs and puppies are in the care of the BC SPCA custody and not currently available for adoption. Meanwhile, the Vancouver shelter is closed until further notice.
Our focus is on getting these dogs & puppies the care they urgently need. Will you help? https://t.co/ho6Rnk0yuQ pic.twitter.com/2lCZUQpk2T
— BC SPCA / BCSPCA (@BC_SPCA) February 13, 2016
Thank you @VanCanucks and everyone in the community for supporting us this past week! https://t.co/mdpyhE05pR
— BC SPCA / BCSPCA (@BC_SPCA) February 12, 2016
It’s not clear how much money the players or the team donated to the cause, in addition, of course, to their massive celebrity reach, which really is priceless.
