Animal cruelty charges laid in SPCA horse seizure investigation

SALMON ARM – The seizure of horses in the Shuswap by the SPCA has lead to two criminal charges against the owner.

In late 2013, SPCA investigators used a search warrant to enter the Silver Creek property of Charlene Robinson and remove 13 of her 20 horses.

The animal protection agency claimed the animals were in distress from inadequate food and water supplies.

At the time, Robinson conceded a few of her horses were underweight but she said they were healthy.

“There’s no way they’re neglected. I bust my ass to take care of these horses. Numerous people nearby can verify what I do,” said Robinson.

However, she admitted it was a financial challenge to pay for the feed for the horses during the winter months.

“They do nothing but cost me money.”

Robinson has been charged with causing unnecessary pain/suffering to an animal and failing to provide necessaries for an animal.

A trial date has not been set.