Virulent virus killed pups

Parvovirus is extremely contagious and can live for long periods of time on floors, food containers and other household objects.

Smith said autopsies had been performed, on behalf of the SPCA, on four puppies sold by Benoit and Bailey. The fourth puppy’s cause of death was undetermined.

Benoit and Bailey are Digby County puppy brokers who operate under the name ‘Puppies R Us’. The business frequently uses the Kijij website to advertise puppies for sale; sales transactions have been completed in parking lots throughout the Maritimes.

The Nova Scotia SPCA’s investigation of Benoit and Bailey’s operation is ongoing, said Smith. “All we are is an investigative agency and we have to put together a case, just as law enforcement agencies do.”

Darrell Smith added that the provincial government is currently considering legislation that, once adopted, will help the SPCA with its jobs of protecting the welfare of animals.

In the Puppies R Us case, said Smith, the media and concerned individuals are effectively spreading the word that the Benoit and Bailey have sold sick and dying puppies.

Esther Smith of the Truro area is one of those individuals. The miniature dachshund she purchased from Benoit was dead within hours of leaving the Puppies R Us van. Since then the animal lover has been combing the Kijiji website and firing off emails to anyone who is advertising that they are in the market for a puppy.