29 'high-value' dogs and puppies seized from Squamish breeder

SPCA animal protection officers removed 18 adult dogs and 11 puppies from a Squamish, B.C., breeder in November 2016 after receiving a tip from the public. (Handout)

A Squamish dog breeder could face criminal cruelty charges after dozens of animals were seized during a warrant execution on Wednesday.

Animal protection officers removed 18 adult dogs and 11 puppies from the unnamed breeder, after receiving a tip from the public. The animals all met the definition of being "in distress" under B.C. law, according to the BC SPCA.

The brood included Old English sheepdogs, Coton de Tulear, bearded collies and a Tibetan terrier. At least one of the female dogs is pregnant.

The canines are suffering various physical ailments, including matting, ear infections, overgrown nails, skin infections and severe dental disease, according to the BC SPCA.

The dogs are currently being cared for at the West Vancouver shelter, and veterinary costs are expected to run into the thousands.

Though the investigation is still in its infancy, the agency's chief enforcement officer said it's possible the animal welfare agency will pursue charges.

It's unclear how long the breeder has been in business, but the person has a history with animal control in the area dating back a number of years, said Marcie Moriarty,

"At this stage the dogs appear to be purebreds – these are high value dogs," she told CTV News.

The BC SPCA is currently working with the B.C. government to establish regulations for animal breeders that would hopefully avoid cases like these in the future, she added.

The dogs will not be up for adoption for several weeks.

The agency is appealing for donations to offset the massive care costs associated with treating and rehabilitating the animals.