SPCA seizes 50 dogs in area

By KAREN LONGWELLTribune Staff Writer
May 18 2006

BC SPCA cruelty officers seized 50 dogs from a rural property near Williams Lake on Monday evening, said special provincial constable Kent Kokoska in a press release.
Officers rescued 48 husky type dogs; one lab cross and one shepherd cross dog from a local residence.
"The situation that confronted us was one of terrible animal cruelty and neglect," said Kokoska. "The majority of the dogs were emaciated, dehydrated, suffering from skin conditions and open wounds."
One dog was in critical distress due to a severely imbedded collar that had become infected and surrounded by rotting flesh, he said. This dog's condition was so critical it has to be euthanized at the scene, general manager for cruelty investigations Marcie Moriarty told the Tribune.
Another dog's nails were so overgrown that they curled around pads that were inflamed with mange.
"Not only were the dogs neglected, but the environment in which they were found was abysmal," said Kokoska. "There were empty, rusting water tins and fecal accumulation suggested that the area had never been cleaned."
A few of the dogs are in such horrific condition they may not survive, Moriarty said.
The dogs are also not well socialized, she said.
The dogs were found after a complaint was made, said Moriarty. The dogs were outside on the rural property, some were chained and others were running loose.
The exact location of the property cannot be released because it could jeopardize the case, said Moriarty. Investigators are currently compiling reports, which will be sent to Crown Counsel with a couple of weeks, she added.
The dogs are currently in a shelter in the Okanagan, said Moriarty.
The BC SPCA cruelty investigation continues and charges are pending.
Doubleday Canada Limited
© Copyright 2006 Williams Lake Tribune