SPCA Seizes Sheep in Critical Distress in Prince George
February 4, 2005. For immediate release. BC SPCA animal protection officers intervened to rescue several sheep in critical distress on a rural property south of Prince George yesterday afternoon. "We received a call from a concerned member of the public at approximately 4:30 p.m.," says Special Provincial Constable Debbie Goodine. "When I arrived at the property a short time later I discovered the bodies of three sheep and one lamb that were already deceased alongside an emaciated sheep in critical distress and four others in extremely serious condition." According to Constable Goodine the animals were in poor body condition, had open wounds, were covered in feces, and had no access to food. "There was no one home on the property and the animals had been abandoned, according to witnesses," says Goodine.

The emaciated sheep in critical distress had to be euthanized at the site by a veterinarian and the four remaining animals were removed from the property under a clause of the BC Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act that enables SPCA cruelty officers to remove animals without a warrant if the seizure is necessary to save an animal's life.

The animals are currently being housed at an undisclosed location and are receiving on-going veterinary care. The SPCA cruelty investigation continues and charges are pending.

Further information:
Debbie Goodine or Jeannine Woodhouse, North Cariboo SPCA: 250-562-5511;
Lorie Chortyk, Community Relations Manager, BC SPCA:
(604) 647-1316, 1-800-665-1868, or 830-7179 (cell);