BC SPCA Cruelty Officers Seize 50 Dogs near Williams Lake

May 16, 2006. For immediate release. BC SPCA animal protection officers rescued 48 husky-type dogs, 1 Lab cross and 1 shepherd cross dog from horrific conditions on a rural property near Williams Lake yesterday. "The situation that confronted us was one of terrible animal cruelty and neglect," says Senior Animal Protection Officer Kent 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, 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," says Kokoska. " There were empty, rusting water tins and the fecal accumulation suggested that the area had never been cleaned."

The BC SPCA cruelty investigation continues and charges are pending.

Further information:
Special Provincial Constable Kent Kokoska, 1-866-901-7722;
Marcie Moriarty, General Manager, Cruelty Investigations, 604-647-1318.