BC SPCA disappointed in breeder's sentencing in 'appalling' case of dog starvation

Two years ago, the BC SPCA was called to “one of the worst cases” involving over a dozen starving dogs who were rescued from the Clearwater area.

In January 2023, the BC SPCA seized 15 presa canario dogs from a Clearwater resident who was breeding and selling the dogs to make a profit during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The dogs were found without enough food and some were kept in sub-zero temperatures with no shelter and frozen water bowls. Several of the animals were kept in intensive veterinary care.

A Feb. 23 decision from the BC Farm Industry Review Board resulted in Clearwater resident Kurtis Elliot losing his appeal to have four of the dogs returned.

In an update provided by the BC SPCA earlier this month, Elliot was convicted of one count of “owner neglecting animal or bird or failing to provide necessaries.”

According to the SPCA, Elliot was sentenced at the Kamloops Law Courts on May 27.

He is prohibited from owning, having custody or control of, or residing in the same premises as an animal or bird for 10 years.

There are exceptions of one adult cat and a number of goldfish already in his possession.

However, the BC SPCA says the punishment is not enough.

Eileen Drever, senior officer protection and stakeholder relations at the BC SPCA, said the organization was disappointed in the leniency of the sentence given the severity of the case.

“In my 45 years with the organization, this stands out as one of the most appalling instances of dog starvation I have encountered,” Drever said.

“These dogs endured immense suffering, all so their ‘guardian’ could profit from their misery, making the light sentence even more difficult to accept.”

Shortly after the rescue in January 2023, three adult dogs, including a female named Blue, were euthanized because they were not responding to treatment.

During the appeal process, the BC Farm Industry Review Board heard from a veterinarian who said “Blue was the most emaciated dog she had ever seen in her 22 years as a vet.”

According to the SPCA, Elliot will still be able to reside with animals owned by tenants or renters on his property and after five years, he will be permitted to have custody and control of and reside in the same premises as two additional spayed or neutered dogs.

The BC SPCA said despite the significant cost of caring for the dozen animals seized from the rural property, Elliot was not ordered to pay any fines or retribution to the SPCA.

“The BC SPCA believes a stricter sentencing, including a lifetime ban on owning animals, would have been more appropriate given the horrific conditions of the dogs involved in this case,” Drever added.

“Dogs are sentient beings capable of experiencing fear, suffering and joy. They are not commodities to be exploited – they deserve compassion, dignity and respect.”