British Columbia Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals investigators seized a herd of cattle from a ranch near Quesnel on Monday.
In all, 80 cows and 18 calves were taken from the operation, the organization said in a statement issued Thursday.
Representatives from the SPCA and the British Columbia Cattlemen's Association had made several site visits prior to the seizure to speak to the owner about the herd's welfare and had given a course of action to relieve the animals' distress.
"Unfortunately the appropriate steps were not taken and, after an assessment carried out on March 24 by a livestock veterinarian, a decision was made to take the cattle into BC SPCA custody for their protection and welfare," said BC SPCA cruelty investigations manager Shawn Eccles in the statement.
The BC SPCA obtained a warrant and the animals were removed with help from the BCCA and a team that included a representative from the Farm and Ranch Safety and Health Association, a branch inspector, a livestock veterinarian and an RCMP livestock officer.
The move comes after a new code of practice for care and handling of beef cattle came into force last year.
Names of the herds' owners and whether charges are being pursued was not stated.
