October 8, 2004. For immediate release. A resident of Grand Forks has lost an appeal to regain custody of 121 animals seized by SPCA animal protection officers in June. A judge refused the application to return the animals, who were removed by the SPCA because they were suffering from severe malnutrition, dehydration and serious health and grooming issues.

In total, the SPCA took custody of 13 dogs, 2 pigs, 2 goats, a horse, a cat as well as 102 birds and poultry from the Grand Forks property on June 29th. "As cruelty investigators we're used to witnessing some terrible sights, but this was really deplorable," says Special Provincial Constable Kathy Woodward. One of the sights that horrified the officers, she says, was five emaciated border collies crammed inside a tiny wire cage. "This cage was too small even for one dog, let alone five, and these poor dogs were barely alive when we found them." The dogs were too dehydrated and malnourished to even stand up, says Woodward, and would probably have died within 24 hours had they not been rescued. "Their normal body weight should have been about 45 pounds and they barely weighed 15 pounds."

The SPCA provided on-going care and treatment for all of the animals, who have recovered and been placed in permanent homes. The SPCA has recommended charges be laid in the case, which is now before Crown Counsel.