B.C. SPCA Devestated After Weak Sentancing In Breeder Starvation Case
"‘Deeply disappointed’: B.C. SPCA decries breeder’s sentence in animal cruelty case"
By: Lisa Steacy, CTV News
June 8th, 2025
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The B.C. SPCA is devastated after the sentencing of Kurtis Leo Gordon Elliot who was found to have 15 starving dogs in his care as a breeder. The organization is “ ‘deeply disappointed’ with the light sentence” surrounding the “ ‘horrific’ cruelty case” (Lisa Steacy, CTV News) where the accused was only found guilty to a single count of owner neglect last month in Kamloops. This resulted in a “10-year prohibition on owning, having control of or residing with an animal – with an exception for one adult cat and some goldfish” (Lisa Steacy, CTV News), which is believed to not nearly be enough punishment for such an act. Eileen Drever, the B.C. SPCA’s senior officer of protection and head of stakeholder relations recalls that this case “ ‘stands out as one of the most appalling instances of dog starvation I have encountered’ ”(Lisa Steacy, CTV News) after being with the organization for 45 years. It was reported that these animals were kept outside in below freezing temperatures, not provided with water, nor given shelter, all while starving without nourishment. Drever explains that “ ‘an order to pay a fine or to reimburse the B.C. SPCA for the costs it incurred would have sent a stronger message’ ” (Lisa Steacy, CTV News) instead of the weak ban that was imposed.
This is a very starling case to hear about, as many instances of breeder abuse have been circulating lately. The fact that Drever recalls this to be the most serous case of starvation she has ever witnessed though, puts this specific instance into perspective. I know multiple people that have gotten dogs from breeders in the Kamloops area, so to hear such a tragic story like this makes me rethink the ethical values of such organizations. Fifteen dogs are a staggering amount, which makes me realize how inhumane people can act towards animals. To think that these dogs can be treated in this way since they may not possess the same traits as humans is unjust, and a weak punishment like this makes these actions more justified. Without harsher punishment, this may lead others to believe that depriving dogs of the necessary means to survive is okay in our society, which is devastating to consider.
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