Pit bull and 10 puppies rescued from rat-infested home in British Columbia

Animal protection officers in British Columbia have rescued three pit bulls – including one that gave birth to 10 puppies – from a rat-infested home in Kelowna.

The BC SPCA says conditions inside the home were “horrible” for both people and pets.

“Large rats have been seen jumping in and out of windows and running throughout the house,” Amrika Tikasingh, manager of the BC SPCA’s South Okanagan-Similkameen Animal Centre, said in a news release Tuesday.

“Animal protection officers reported that the smell was unbearable” because the floors of the house were covered in dog urine and feces.

The rat infestation began with a “misguided attempt to deal with a few baby rats,” the animal welfare agency said. “Residents fed them dog food, which made the problem worse.”

The three dogs – two adult female pit bull mixes and one adult male – were taken to the BC SPCA veterinary hospital in Penticton.

An examination revealed that one of the females, named Ellie, was in the late stages of pregnancy with a litter of 10 puppies.

A lost puppy

“Ellie was due to give birth quickly, so we didn’t have time to find a foster home that could accommodate a pregnant mother and 10 puppies,” Tikasingh said. “She gave birth at the animal center.”

Sadly, one of the puppies did not survive, although the other nine appear to be in good health, the BC SPCA said.

“Ellie found comfort in a soft toy that she had to have with her at all times,” Tikasingh said. “She was clearly grieving the loss of her puppy.”

An examination revealed that one of the females, named Ellie, was in the late stages of pregnancy with a litter of 10 puppies. (BC SPCA)

Veterinary staff are working to stabilize Ellie's weight, which is underweight, but she is expected to make a full recovery, the BC SPCA said. Once she is healthy again, she will need to undergo spay surgery because the medical team believes she has had “way too many litters for a dog her age,” Tikasingh said.

“This sweet girl, with so much love to give, needs a break from her pregnancy,” she added.

The animal welfare agency says the remaining nine puppies will be available for adoption when they are eight weeks old and their mother will be available once she recovers from her spay.

Henry, the rescued male pit bull, has already been adopted, while Sugar, the remaining female, is now available for adoption, the BC SPCA said.