The BC SPCA is asking for help from the public to care for a large number of animals seized from a rural property near Houston this week.
The animals - 18 horses, about 20 dogs, a couple of cats and more than a dozen birds - are all now in the care of the BC SPCA and the provincial animal welfare agency is on the hook for the cost of the animals' accommodations and care during that time while the owner appeals the seizure.
"The SPCA would be grateful if any members of the public are able to provide hay for the horses while they are in our care," Marcie Moriarty, chief prevention and enforcement officer for the BC SPCA, said. Arrangements can be made through Smithers Feed Store at 250-847-9810.
Financial donations to help offset the care and rehabilitation costs for the array of seized animals would also be gratefully received. Donations to the BC SPCA cruelty investigations department can be made online at spca.bc.ca/support or at 1245 East 7th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C., V5T 1R1.
The BC SPCA investigates more than 8,000 cases of animal cruelty each year and is funded by public donations.
"The horses were kept in unclean and substandard conditions. Many were underweight and several had overgrown hooves and suspected parasites," said Moriarty about the Houston seizure. "There was no food present in any of the enclosures and most of the horses had no access to water."
According to Moriarty, the dogs included German shepherds, poodle-crosses, two Chinese crested dogs, a Newfoundland-cross, a pit bull, a Maltese-cross and a bloodhound-cross. They were "being kept in unsanitary conditions and had dental issues and medical concerns, ranging from lacerations to extreme matting. Many of the dogs also appear to be poorly socialized and fearful."
She added that the 15 birds - cockatiels, love birds, quail, budgies and a conure - were also "badly neglected and housed inappropriately."
The seizure happened on Thursday after "a history with this individual" was accumulated. Moriarty explained that seizures cannot happen unless the owner has been informed of the specific problems and a reasonable opportunity be provided to correct them. In this case, those warnings were given, instructions provided, and allegedly not adhered to.
