BC SPCA
BC SPCA special constables have seized 16 dogs – mostly standard poodle and golden retriever crosses - and two quarter horses from a rural property in Clearwater, B.C.
Constable Kent Kokoska, senior animal protection officer with the BC SPCA, said the badly neglected dogs were filthy and severely matted and were living in unacceptable conditions.
The horses were also being kept in substandard conditions and were severely matted, with cracked and chipped hooves. Two deceased dogs and one deceased calf were also found on the property.
“We are grateful to the Clearwater RCMP for bringing this case to our attention,” said Kokoska. “Our 26 SPCA constables have extensive areas to cover across B.C and we respond to more than 7,000 complaints of animal cruelty each year, so it is very helpful for us to have the support of communities in reporting cases of suspected abuse or neglect.”
Kokoska calls the level of neglect of the seized animals “very disturbing” and notes that the investigation is continuing and charges of animal cruelty are pending in the case.
The dogs are currently receiving ongoing care and treatment at the BC SPCA’s community animal centres in Penticton and Kelowna and the horses are being cared for in Kamloops.
The animals are currently not up for adoption, but please check the BC SPCA website at spca.bc.ca for updates.