SPCA gives animals back to ag minister's father

By Christina Toth - CToth@abbotsfordtimes.com

The majority of the 107 cattle and horses removed from the properties of Quirinus van Dongen last week by SPCA officers were returned this week, although not to the same farms.

The investigation into the health and welfare of the livestock continues, B.C. SPCA chief animal protection officer Shawn Eccles said Tuesday.

"We've been working with a couple of family members and the owner. The majority of the cattle were returned [Monday] to an Aldergrove farm and the bulk of the horses were also returned. The properties in question have been inspected by SPCA officers to ensure they meet code of practice standards," Eccles said.

Some animals were still with the SPCA at unspecified sites to receive treatment, but he said he expected all the livestock would be returned to their owner.

He added that in order to have his livestock returned, the 82-year-old van Dongen, father of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Minister John van Dongen [Abbotsford-Clayburn], was required to sign an agreement that he would ensure the animals would be kept in conditions that met the recognized standards of agriculture practice and the SPCA's own codes.

The agreement allows SPCA officers to monitor the livestock where they are, and if they are returned to van Dongen's properties, to ensure the required conditions are met, Eccles said.

Someone had come forward with an offer of properties in Aldergrove and Maple Ridge, but Eccles didn't know if they were owned by van Dongen relatives.

Responding to complaints, SPCA officers warned the elder van Dongen a few weeks ago to provide fresh water and dry shelter for the livestock, numbering 44 horses and 63 cattle, including some calves. Van Dongen told the Times last week he asked for an extension to put up the required shelters.

April 9 SPCA officers went to his Aldergrove and Matsqui Prairie properties with five search warrants, taking the afternoon and evening to inspect the livestock.

On the advice of the accompanying veterinarian, the officers removed the animals as they were not in adequate conditions, Eccles said.

One cat with a broken leg was also taken to a local shelter for care.

Later that day, when the elder van Dongen went to the Langley SPCA shelter to inquire about his livestock, he was arrested the Langley RCMP for allegedly taking a swing at a female SPCA worker.

Van Dongen admitted he had become upset but denied hitting anyone.

While no charges have been laid, RCMP Cpl. Dale Carr said that if the Crown counsel deems charges should be laid, then the "elderly man in question" would be required to appear in court on May 30 for a first appearance.

MLA John van Dongen said he was concerned for his father, but as Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Minister he had to stay clear of the incident.

"The law applies to him equally as to anyone else," he said.

John van Dongen's brothers were helping their father by discussing the issues with SPCA staff, Eccles said.

"We're dealing with a couple of family members. I believe the lead investigating officer has also sat down with the owner," he added.

Lorrie Chortyk, SPCA communications officer, said the organization would not normally release the name of the animal owner unless there were charges laid, but in this case, someone in the area had tipped off the media.

"We feel bad. It's very unfortunate [to have to remove the livestock] but we have to put the welfare of the animals first," she said.

The elder van Dongen had been convicted of cruelty to animals in the 1980s and in August 1996, a horse with festering wounds had been removed from one of his farms.