57 animals seized by BC SPCA in Surrey

WATCH: Nealy 60 animals have been seized by the BC SPCA from a farm in Surrey. All of the animals were found in poor health and in terrible living conditions. Catherine Urquhart reports

The BC SPCA has seized 57 animals following an investigation into animal neglect complaints in Surrey.

In total, 35 dogs of medium and small breeds, 16 horses and six cats were taken from a property. The animals were kept in substandard living conditions without proper access to water, food or shelter, and were found suffering from severe malnutrition. The horses found on the property also had chipped, cracked and overgrown hooves.

WATCH: Meet Leonard and Nicholas, two of the dogs now up for adoption

An animal cruelty investigation is also underway by the SPCA.

View image in full screen

According to BC SPCA chief prevention and enforcement officer Marcie Moriarty, the dogs had been transferred to the Vancouver SPCA shelter and hospital for initial care Tuesday, but will be distributed to SPCA shelters across the Lower Mainland this week for further care and adoption.

The cost for rehabilitating the animals is estimated at $20,000.

“Whenever we have a large seizure of animals it puts added strain on our financial and staff resources,” said Moriarty.

The SPCA will be relying on donations and possible adoptions for the rehabilitation of the animals.

“The BC SPCA would be grateful for any donations to help support the ongoing care and treatment for these animals and we hope that new, loving homes can be found for them as soon as possible,” said Moriarty.

She noted that it is particularly challenging to find homes for horses, given the specialized needs and costs associated with equine care.