Over 100 neglected cows were seized from a property in the Similkameen community of Cawston.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/BCSPCA
January 27, 2023 - 9:42 AM
Over 100 neglected cows were seized from a property in the Similkameen community of Cawston.
The B.C. SPCA reports 129 heads of cattle were housed in substandard conditions with no access to shelter or protection from the elements.
Prior to the enforcement action, the owner was issued a number of notices and failed to follow recommendations, Eileen Drever, B.C. SPCA senior officer told INFOnews.
The cattle were seized over the course of two visits.
During the first visit on Jan. 18 when 95 cows were seized, three others met the definition of critical distress and had to be euthanized. Numerous dead cows were also found on site. The SPCA attended again on Jan. 25 and seized an additional 34.
The herd is now in the care of the B.C. SPCA. Drever said taking in over 100 cow is a huge strain on the their resources.
The issue is before the courts so she would not comment on the property owner's response to the SPCA's enforcement action.
“The pens where the cattle were kept were deep in mud, water and manure, which covered the animals up their legs and bodies,” Drever, said in a media release issued today, Jan. 27.
“The cows did not have adequate food or drinking water and were struggling to move through the mud.”
The cattle were found to be suffering from medical issues including untreated eye infections, lameness, mastitis, overgrown hooves and diarrhea.
“Some of the cattle appeared to have been injured by broken fencing around the pens as well,” she said in the release.
Animal cruelty are being recommended and the investigation is ongoing.
The SPCA became aware of the mistreatment through their animal helpline. Anybody who witnesses animals in distress can call 1-855-622-7722.
— This story was updated at 3:51 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, 2023, to add new information from the B.C. SPCA.
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