A man from the Slocan Valley in the West Kootenays has been charged with animal cruelty for the fourth time after 29 animals were seized from a property near Winlaw.
The B.C. SPCA seized the animals, including dogs, sheep and a cow on Jan. 28.
Nine sheep, seven goats, four horses, five large-breed dogs, two puppies, one cow and one rooster were all taken from the property and were found in various states of distress. The carcasses of dead horses, a bull and a goat were also found on the property.
Joao (John) Vieira has now been charged with three counts of animal cruelty under the Criminal Code of Canada.
He has been the focus of several SPCA investigations during recent years and has three previous animal cruelty convictions. “He has also been charged four times with breaching conditions of his sentencing, the most recent charge coming yesterday for violating a ban on owning animals,” said Marcie Moriarty, chief prevention and enforcement officer for the B.C. SPCA.
Moriarty said the 29 animals seized on Jan. 28 were being kept in overcrowded and inadequate conditions and were underweight and suffering from a range of medical issues, including parasites, abscesses, heart problems, infections, overgrown nails, dental issues and eye infections.
The livestock are now being cared for at foster boarding facilities in the Salmo Valley. The dogs and puppies are in the care of the Kelowna SPCA, where they are on a protective hold and will receive on-going veterinary care before going up for adoption.
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