'People should be more careful': breeder decries Edmonton puppy mill
'It's quite disappointing because it gives breeders that are trying to improve the breed a bad name'
Charges laid in connection with an Edmonton puppy mill are further evidence that "unscrupulous" animal sellers are on the rise in Alberta, says an Edmonton dog breeder.
Animal cruelty charges were laid Monday against two people after dozens of dogs were found living in deplorable conditions in the northwest neighbourhood of Caenarvon.
The animals were forced to live in cramped cages, covered in their own filth without proper access to food and water. They were being advertised online and delivered to unsuspecting buyers under the company name Ivy's Bullies, investigators say.
"It's quite disappointing because it gives breeders that are trying to improve (any) breed a bad name," said Karin Daehn, a registered dog breeder and owner of Picasso Chihuahuas. "And it's all these stories that make the headlines. It's disappointing. It really is disappointing."
Daehn said the demand for purebred dogs, especially bully breeds like the ones that were being sold in this case, continues to rise.
Unfortunately, in Alberta's unregulated dog breeding market, greed often wins out over a desire to properly care for the animals, she said.
"When people are breeding these dogs, often they'll just buy them from wherever they can just so they can breed them and sell them for money," said Daehn, adding reputable breeders can't meet the demand.
Justin Iverson and Christine Archambault are charged with eight counts each under the Animal Protection Act.
The charges include causing or permitting an animal to be in distress, failure to provide adequate food and water, failure to provide adequate care when wounded or ill, and failure to provide adequate shelter, ventilation and space.
In addition, Iverson has been charged under the Criminal Code with two counts of wilfully causing the suffering of an animal.
Investigators say troubling reports about the business had been circulating online for weeks before a formal complaint was made and the dogs were taken into protective custody.
Among the concerned customers was Lacey Oikle, who told CBC News she adopted a bulldog from Ivy Bullies, only to have it die days later from infection, caused by a botched tail docking procedure.
'People think they're rescuing these dogs'
It's a cautionary tale for anyone thinking about buying a pet online, said Daehn.
"Breeders should be open and welcoming to have people over to interact with their dogs," she said. "They should be able to provide health clearances of the dogs that they do breed. They should be there for the new owners, and not just then but also in the future ... People should be more careful."
Daeh said people need to do their research — ensure the breeder is registered, has medical documentation for the dog, including proof of vaccinations and spay and neuter papers. Potential buyers should meet with the puppy's mother if possible, investigate the property where they are being cared for, and be provided information about the animal's bloodline.
She said adopting an animal is a process and people shopping online need to be cautious that their emotions don't cloud their common sense.
"People, they see a puppy in photos. They get attached to it," Daehn said. "They'll think of names for the dog, and then when they meet the breeder and the puppy in another location, they've sort of fallen in love with the dog already.
"Some people think they're rescuing these dogs or they're coming from a bad situation," she added. "But if if they do buy these puppies, they're only perpetuating, encouraging this breeder to sell more."
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With files from Ariel Fournier