VANCOUVER – Fifty-six animals, including 18 horses, 18 dogs, 15 birds and two cats were seized by the BC SPCA from a property near Houston on Aug. 28.
Investigators also seized numerous fish kept in filthy conditions.
“The horses were kept in unclean and substandard conditions. Many were underweight and several had overgrown hooves and suspected parasites,” says Marcie Moriarty, chief prevention and enforcement officer for the BC SPCA. “There was no food present in any of the enclosures and most of the horses had no access to water.”
The dogs, both large and small breeds such as German shepherds, poodle crosses, a Newfoundland cross and a pit bull, had dental issues and medical concerns ranging from lacerations to extreme matting.
Moriarty says many of the dogs were also poorly socialized and fearful.
The birds, including cockatiels, love birds, quail, budgies and a conure were also badly neglected and housed inappropriately.
The animals are all now in the care of the BC SPCA and officers are investigating.
Any donations to help these animals can be made through the Smithers Feed Store, 3242 Highway 16 in Smithers (250-847-9810). Donations to the BC SPCA cruelty investigations department can also be made online at spca.bc.ca/support or at 1245 East 7th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C., V5T 1R1.
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