Langley Advance

Thursday, April 05, 2007 01:23 PM

Animal welfare: Filming continues after pup dies

A film centred around dogs continued filming in Langley after the deaths of two puppies.

by Matthew Claxton

Despite the deaths of two puppies on the set, a controversial film production resumed filming in Langley and other B.C. locations.

The film Snow Buddies has come under fire from animal rights groups after several puppies fell ill and two died on the set.

In March, it was revealed that two and possibly three of the six-week-old puppies had to be euthanized, and several others had to be treated for various illnesses.

Filming went on hiatus, but began again later in March.

While the American Humane Association is running an investigation, no local charges are likely.

The B.C. SPCA, which has the power to recommend criminal charges in animal abuse or neglect cases, has already concluded its investigation.

The puppies were about six weeks old, too young to have received a complete regimen of shots, noted SPCA investigator Marcie Moriarty.

Their youth and vaccination history meant they were susceptible to viruses, and many of the dogs were sick when the investigators arrived on the set, she said.

However, all the dogs that fell ill were given immediate veterinary care.

Under B.C. law, no crime was committed, because of the prompt care, Moriarty said.

However, she urged either higher standards be used by film crews, or that regulations be changed to prevent such incidents in the future.

The source of the puppies is also an issue, Moriarty said. "What type of responsible breeder would let a six-week-old puppy go to a production company?" she asked.

Dogs are typically weaned at about eight weeks, and should stay with their mothers until then.

There were 30 puppies involved in the production, 25 from an American breeder and five more from a Canadian.

By the time filming was to begin, the dogs had begun to sicken and it was realized that none could be used in the production.

A spokesperson for Snow Buddies Productions said no official comment could be made, because the American Humane Association is still running an investigation into the incident.

Toni Atterbury said the production would cooperate fully with the investigation and that all recommendations by AHA representatives on the set would be followed.

Township staff are looking into possible policies for the future, after a discussion of the incident at the afternoon council meeting on April 2, said Councillor Jordan Bateman.

Moriarty recommends that people vote with their wallets to punish films that exploit any animal.

"One of the best ways to prevent this in the future is for the public to think critically about what kind of films they want to view," Moriarty said.

She noted that the SPCA has investigated other cases involving performing animals that were treated well on the set, but abysmally while off it.

published on 04/06/2007