This dog was one of several animals seized by the BC SPCA from a camp in the Kootenays.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ BC SPCA
October 04, 2023 - 12:31 PM
Nine dogs and two cats have been seized by the SPCA from an individual with a history of animal cruelty.
The organization received a report from the RCMP in the middle of September about a squatter on Crown land in possession of animals that were “possibly in distress,” according to a media release by BC SPCA issued today, Oct. 4.
The owner of the animals was believed to have been charged with animal cruelty in the past so an investigation into the welfare of the animals was opened, where animal protection officers attended the camp with the help of RCMP officers. The identity of the squatter was confirmed along with the fact the individual has been banned for life from owning animals in other provinces.
“All the animals on site, including nine dogs and two cats, were living near piles of rotting flesh from deer and elk and did not have access to adequate shelter,” the release reads. “Each was tied to a nearby tree with limited food and only dirty water available to them. Many of the tethers were tangled together.”
The dogs and cats were taken to a veterinarian with many of them suffering health problems from the poor living conditions including infections and matted fur covered in tree sap. The animals were also “under-socialized and fearful.”
“It is truly infuriating to see the complete disregard for animal welfare from this individual,” said Eileen Drever with the BC SPCA in the release. “If someone is truly struggling to care for their pets, we have supports and programs in place that can benefit both the animal and the guardian. But this situation is very different. This is willfully choosing, again and again, to let animals suffer without any care at all for their wellbeing.”
Drever said resources are currently stretched thin with a high number of animals needing families.
“It really puts a strain on the society when we are also dealing with repeat offenders like this who are consistently putting animals at risk. We will be recommending charges against this individual.”
Drever said 'a squatter on crown land' is someone who is 'living on the land illegally' and would only specify the location of the camp was in the East Kootenays.
This cat was one of nine animals seized from a camp in the Kootenays by BC SPCA.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ BC SPCA
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