Alleged puppy mill owner says she's no criminalThe owner of an alleged puppy mill in B.C.'s Fraser Valley says she's no criminal, and is horrified about the investigation.
"I was totally invaded," Faye Parkinson tells CTV from her Mission home. "And my animals were always taken very good care of."
In total, 46 Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers, both adults and puppies, along with 12 Persian-type cats and kittens, were rescued from Parkinson's property on Nov. 28. Some of the puppies were only a few hours old. One adult Rottweiler was also seized.
The B.C. SPCA says the dogs were kept inside tiny, filthy cages littered with urine and excrement.
"It's heartbreaking. It's really heartbreaking," says animal protection officer Ivanna Ferris. "When we saw these animals come in on Friday, they were soaking wet and filthy."
The neglected animals were suffering ailments including untreated eye and skin infections, gum disease, matted fur and overgrown nails.
Neighbours CTV spoke with are shocked by the allegations.
"For them to say -- reporting more than forty dogs out of there was shocking to say the least and pretty horrifying," says Jay Jones.
Parkinson admits many of the animals are hers, but claims she recently helped someone out by taking in their neglected dogs on a temporary basis.
"She had one litter of pups she brought over and then she had another dog that had puppies the day the raid was on," she says.
Citing her lawyer's requests, Parkinson would not show CTV News where the animals were kept, but she maintains that the animals were not abused.
"I've never abused nothing," she says. "I've never abused anything in my life."
Parkinson insists she does not run a puppy mill, saying she only sells about two litters of kittens each year.
The homeowner admits that people might think that's a lot of animals to have in the home.
"Yes, yes," she says. "But I absolutely love them and what do you do with them? Are you supposed to take them and get rid of them?"
The SPCA is now recommending charges of animal cruelty against Parkinson.
Last year, the BC SPCA investigated 4,600 complaints.
Whew! What a relief to know there is no such thing as puppy mills! (only substandard care). What a crock of sh*t!
ReplyDeleteMaybe this so called breeder who made that ridiculous statement (with his/or her head in the sand) would like to see reality for what it truly is!
Animals kept in the dark, in cages, in their own waste - is a PUPPYMILL!
If Animal Shelters would impliment the "No Kill Equation" and not kill most of the animals they "rescue",then the excuse of "What can I do with them" would be gone.Until this happens people will keep animals in horrid conditions whether it is a puppy mill or not because they feel the alternative is even worse.RG.
ReplyDeleteDon't blame shelters RG. These people are sick, it's just an excuse they use, they would NEVER surrender these dogs either because they are profitable or they are mentally ill, they always would have an excuse.
ReplyDeleteAnyone can contact a shelter or other rescuers and say "I'm over my head", "I need help", SPCAs and rescues would love to get the call to be able to help them care for them properly and take a few out at a time instead of getting whomped with 40-100 all at once, giving them less chance of getting properly assessed and placed.
Hi Joan,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to see you are still blogging.
I met you a few years ago in the Valley when I was selling some paintings. I was there with my dog Jackson.
Life has changed drastically for us and we are now living in Cape Breton with a dumb lovable mixed-breed dog and a few cats to torment him.
I'm going to try and catch up on a few years worth of reading here, your messages always make me stop and think....
Take care,
Angela Mercer-Penny