In 2021, the BC SPCA took in 119 small-breed dogs from a hoarding situation near Fort Nelson, one of the largest dog intakes in the organization’s history. Many of the dogs arrived emaciated with severe medical issues, including severe matting, while others were pregnant or required immediate veterinary care. 

Behaviourally, most of the adult dogs showed extreme fear and a profound lack of socialization, with everyday experiences such as handling being completely new to them. 

Rehabilitation focused on slowly reintroducing these dogs to everyday life through desensitization, counter-conditioning, and careful behavioural support before they could be adopted into homes.

Emily and her team worked with a large group of these dogs, including three pregnant females. 

In 2021, the BC SPCA seized 40 sled dogs from a commercial operation near Salmo, B.C. after animal protection officers executed a warrant following welfare concerns. 

Investigators reported issues including inadequate shelter, hypothermia, suspected dehydration, and poor living conditions for the dogs. 

Behaviourally, some of the dogs displayed stereotypic repetitive behaviours, a sign of chronic stress and inadequate stimulation. 

The dogs received veterinary treatment, stabilization, and ongoing behavioural care before heading to new homes. Emily and her team worked with a group of them, getting them used to normal life and ready for adoption. She had the pleasure of working with one later through her private practice, helping his owner through the challenges of cognitive decline in his elderly years, a full-circle moment. 

Not all cases were dogs. In 2016, BC SPCA constables executed a warrant at a Surrey breeding and boarding property, seizing 82 animals in distress, including 67 cats, 12 dogs, and three puppies. 

Investigators reported unsanitary conditions and animals suffering from illness and inadequate care, and many of the cats were pregnant.

Emily and her staff worked with a group of British Shorthair cats, many of whom were ill and required months of treatment. 

In 2018, the BC SPCA seized 46 neglected dogs and puppies from a rural property north of Williams Lake following an animal cruelty investigation. 

The dogs had been living with poor sanitation, inadequate shelter, and limited veterinary care. 

Behaviourally, most of the dogs were extremely unsocialized and fearful, with many showing profound distress around human contact and everyday handling. 

Several of the dogs gave birth shortly after arriving at SPCA care and were initially too frightened to allow staff to approach their puppies. 

Emily and her team worked intensively with some of the dogs through medical treatment, stabilization, and behaviour modification before they were eventually adopted into homes.

In 2017, a large group of dogs from a rescue organization were seized by the BC SPCA during an investigation into the organization’s operations. 

Many of the dogs arrived with significant medical and behavioural needs, including untreated health conditions, poor body condition, and dogs requiring immediate veterinary assessment. 

Behaviourally, several dogs displayed extreme fear and limited socialization, requiring careful handling and a gradual introduction to normal shelter routines and human interaction. 

Emily was involved in the initial intake and assessment of the 88 animals seized, and she and her team were responsible for the behaviour modification, socialization, and preparation for the adoption process for some of the dogs and cats.