Image credit: BC SPCA

By Aaron Schulze - CFJC Today

Six Puppies Surrendered

SPCA brings in six severely dehydrated, underweight puppies from B.C. Interior

Jun 19, 2025 | 12:03 PM

SALMON ARM, B.C. — A half-dozen underweight German shepherd mix puppies were surrendered to an animal shelter in Salmon Arm.

The BC SPCA says the owner of a property in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District had been trying to rehome the seven-month-old puppies from an accidental litter. In a news release issued Thursday (June 19), the SPCA says the owner acknowledged they needed help when contacted by animal protection officers and they surrendered the puppies on June 10.

“We appreciate that the owner of these puppies did the right thing and surrendered them. However, there is no denying that these animals were suffering,” said Eileen Drever, BC SPCA senior officer protection and stakeholder relations. “We strongly recommend that anyone having difficulty caring for their animals call the BC SPCA Animal Helpline well before their animals’ condition reaches this state to see what support is available to them. Not reaching out for support and allowing the animals to suffer could mean facing charges.”

Along with being severely underweight, the SPCA says the puppies were dehydrated, with three being in critical condition.

Image credit: BC SPCA

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“They were extremely thin, yet their bloated stomachs indicated the presence of internal parasites, which we treated here at the animal centre,” Meranda Dussault, BC SPCA Shuswap manager, said. “These young dogs have been through a lot, but it doesn’t show. They love people, love playing with each other and in the pool in the centre’s yard.”

The six puppies were prescribed five days of subcutaneous fluids to restore hydration. Additionally, the SPCA says all the puppies are following a carefully monitored refeeding plan designed to help them regain weight safely and prevent refeeding syndrome.

The puppies will be available for adoption in two-to-four weeks after receiving spay and neuter surgery.