Animal rescue group charged with cruelty after SPCA discovers 42 sick and emaciated animals
March 11, 2005. For immediate release. Crown Counsel has laid multiple charges of animal cruelty against the owner/operators of Big Dog Rescue, a group operating in Likely, BC, east of Williams Lake. Charges were laid under both the Criminal Code of Canada and the BC Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act against Charles, Beth and Charlie Butler after BC SPCA animal cruelty investigators discovered 38 emaciated and sick dogs and four badly neglected cats on the property on December 20, 2004. All of the animals were suffering from untreated medical conditions and did not have access to adequate food, water or shelter.

“The condition of the dogs was just horrific,” says Senior Animal Protection Officer Kent Kokoska. “They were emaciated and suffering from severe hair loss and skin conditions. Many of the dogs were restricted in crates far too small for their size and all of the areas where the animals were kept were heavily built up with excessive amounts of feces and filth.”

In addition to an accompanying veterinarian, SPCA investigators from Williams Lake, 100 Mile House, Prince George, Kamloops and the Lower Mainland assisted in the removal and transport of the animals so that they could get immediate veterinary care. The animals have since been rehabilitated in the care of the SPCA and adopted into loving homes.

Each of the cruelty charges laid against the Butlers carries a potential fine of up to $2,000, up to six months in jail and a prohibition or owning or keeping animals. The accused make their first court appearance on April 13th in Williams Lake.

Further information:
Kent Kokoska, Senior Animal Protection Officer, BC SPCA: 1-866-901-7722, 250-828-6751;
Lorie Chortyk, Community Relations Manager, BC SPCA:
(604) 647-1316, 1-800-665-1868, or 830-7179 (cell);