Animal cruelty charges laid in massive Langley puppy mill seizure case

Dec 21 2017, 1:57 am

Three people are now facing charges in connection with one of the largest puppy mill seizures in BC’s history.

On Feb. 4, 2016, BC SPCA officials seized 66 dogs and puppies from a Langley property.

The 32 adult dogs and 34 puppies, which included Old English sheepdogs, Bernese mountain dogs, soft-coated wheaten terriers, standard poodles, miniature poodles and Portuguese water dogs, were in SPCA for several months being treated for serious medical issues, ranging from broken limbs, missing ears and eyes, infections and abscesses to malnourishment, dental disease and severe matting.

And on Wednesday, the BC SPCA announced the charges against the trio in connection with the case.

See also

Glen Lawlor, Maria Wall Lawlor, and James Dale Shively (who has since legally changed his name to James Phoenix) have been charged with two counts of animal cruelty under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. Specifically, they have been charged under section 9.1 for failing their positive duty of care owed towards animals and under section 9.1 for causing or permitting animals to be in distress.

Marcie Moriarty, chief prevention and enforcement officer for the BC SPCA, said that – in addition to physical issues – many of the dogs needed extensive rehabilitation to deal with psychological issues, due to lack of socialization.

“We are very pleased with the charges and we hope this sends a message that this type of neglect and cruelty is not acceptable to British Columbians,” she said.

The BC SPCA was first alerted to the situation by a member of the public, Moriarty added.

“A key step in shutting down puppy mills is for those who are purchasing animals to be educated and aware of the signs of unscrupulous operations,” she said. “We urge people… to immediately call our animal cruelty hotline (1-855-622-7722) to report any suspicious situations where animals may be in distress.”

Moriarty added that all the dogs have since been rehabilitated and adopted into “loving” homes.

Eric ZimmerEric Zimmer

+ News
+ Pets & Animals
ADVERTISEMENT