Photo: CTV

The BC SPCA is looking into animal cruelty charges after 45 neglected dogs living in "unacceptable" conditions were surrendered by a former breeder near Victoria.

The Havanese and Javanese-Cross dogs were covered in feces and urine and exposed to high levels of ammonia, the SPCA says.

“The individual was co-operative and voluntarily surrendered the animals, (which) range in age from one-and-a-half to 15 years,” Marcie Moriarty, the BC SPCA's chief prevention and enforcement officer, said in a statement.

“Our staff have spent the past few days assessing the physical and psychological well-being of the dogs and providing immediate medical care for any issues."

The dogs have been taken in by multiple SPCA shelters on Vancouver Island and aren't yet up for adoption.

– with files from CTV Vancouver Island