On July 27 2019 The Medicine Hat Municipal Enforcement Section responded to a complaint about a puppy that had been bought from a local resident. The complaint was that the puppy became ill, requiring vet care. The puppy was treated and tested positive for the PARVO Virus, a deadly highly contagious disease if puppies are not vaccinated for it.

When the officer attended the location identified as the breeders home, no puppies remained in the care of the sellers, all 9 puppies in the litter had been sold and were in the care of the new owners. It was confirmed that none of the puppies had visited a vet yet or had been vaccinated.

The Alberta SPCA was contacted and they provided the following response. “The dog breeding industry is unregulated so there is no standard of care they must provide before selling their puppies. Legally, breeders can be held accountable if they are denying animals vet care when they are sick or injured. So, if a dog has parvo, they have to seek medical care, but they do not have to provide vaccinations before selling the puppies”. Unfortunately, this virus can be present and contagious days before the clinical symptoms begin to show, but once the symptoms such as vomiting, severe and often bloody diarrhea and a very lethargic behaviour, a vet visit is required by law.

The Alberta Animal Protection Act is the legislation available to investigate and enforce animal care and treatment in our Province and according to the Alberta SPCA there is insufficient evidence to prove intent and knowledge that the puppies were infected with Parvo and left untreated by the breeders.

When people knowingly take custody of an unvaccinated pet they assume all responsibility. This is why most animal professionals advise against obtaining pets from what is commonly described as Back Yard Breeders.

The Municipal Enforcement Section is now looking at preventive measures to avoid further risk of Parvo in this community that may be linked back to this location and breeding pair. Although the breeders do not believe Parvo was present in their home they are willing to work with officers to prevent any further risks.