Animal Advocates Watchdog

3 facing animalcruelty charges

3 facing animalcruelty charges

By Ian Austin, The Province May 11, 2011 Three people connected with an alleged Abbotsford puppy mill appeared in court Monday to face charges of animal cruelty.

Mel Gerling, Patrick English and Damara Jaye English made their first appearance in court to face charges under both the Criminal Code and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. The trio were charged in connection with a raid last September where 14 dogs were seized.

"These animals were really sick," said B.C. SPCA spokeswoman Lorie Chortyk. "They had untreated medical conditions and untreated dental conditions."

The term "puppy mill" refers to unscrupulous breeders who raise dogs for profit in substandard conditions.

Chortyk said the B.C. SPCA does what it can to shut down puppy mills, but the onus is on potential buyers to ask lots of questions to ensure dogs are raised properly.

"We're doing everything we can from an enforcement point of view to shut them down. We're doing everything we can from an education point of view, but we need people to do their due diligence," said Chortyk. "People see puppies in the pet store . . . and everything looks so sanitized. When you see the fluffy puppies you don't see the health problems."

A guide to help potential owners is available at spca.bc.ca.

iaustin@theprovince.com

Read more: http://www.theprovince.com/news/facing+animalcruelty+charges/4762330/story.html#ixzz1MowGUXaP

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