SPCA seizes more than two dozen animals from BC property

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BURNS LAKE (NEWS 1130) – A total of 13 dogs, seven puppies and seven horses have been seized by officers with the BC SPCA from a property just south of Burns Lake.

The dogs, which are primarily Australian shepherds and mixed breeds, included six puppies under two-days-old and one three-week-old puppy. “The owner does not live on the property and the dogs were left tethered outdoors,” says SPCA constable Dale Bakken. “Many of the seized animals were underweight and some were showing signs of dehydration.”

He adds the horses, including pregnant mares and thin yearlings, had no shelter, no water and limited access to food. “They were eating snow for hydration,” says Bakken.

The SPCA says seizing the animals was complicated because the property is in such a remote area south of Francois Lake and it actually required a ferry ride to transport the animals. “It was snowing and minus-15 degrees Celsius but the team worked diligently to get the animals to safety.”

The dogs and puppies are being cared for by staff in the North Cariboo and the horses are being housed with a Prince George equine rescue group.

“We’re happy that these animals are now safe and getting the care they need,” says Jamie Walsh, manager of the North Cariboo SPCA. “The adult dogs are doing well in the shelter and the mom and her babies are in foster care to ensure the young puppies can be cared for around the clock.”

No official charges have been recommended as of yet.

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