SPCA appealing for help as large-scale horse seizure puts strain on its resources
Posted July 25, 2019 2:58 pm.
Last Updated July 25, 2019 3:00 pm.
VERNON (NEWS 1130) – A massive seizure of horses from a property in Vernon now has the BC SPCA asking the public for its help in caring for them.
They took the 42 horses in March in one of the largest horse-related seizures they’ve ever seen, along with other animals.
The horses were suffering from varying degrees of malnutrition, and also had hoof and dental problems. Their recovery has resulted in vet and boarding bills totaling more than $70,000.
“It has been challenging to provide the necessary treatment for these horses, because many of them are very timid and fearful of human handling.”
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Chief Prevention and Enforcement Officer Marcie Moriarty says while some have been adopted, many were pregnant, with nine foals born in their care to date.
“Nine…and possibly still counting. We are doing some pregnancy checks on five more of the horses this week, so we’ll see. But we are definitely overflowing with horses.”
The horses are being cared for at a number of places throughout the province. Some have been moved to SPCA locations on the Lower Mainland.
A sad case involving 42 horses seized from a property in #VernonBC has put a strain on @BC_SPCA's resources. Bills are sitting at the $70K mark. Some of the horses came into their care pregnant in March. Nine foals have been born since then, more poss. on the way. pic.twitter.com/Es9k41dSHz
— Ria Renouf ???? (@riarenouf) July 25, 2019
“A few have been moved to the Good Shepherd Barn in Surrey, and of course, the rest dispersed around. It’s hard to look after that many all in one place.”
Charges were recently approved in this case, and Moriarty says the person involved is well-known to them.
If you’d like to help the BC SPCA with medical bills, you can donate at spca.bc.ca/emergency. Anyone interested in adopting a horse can reach out to rescue@spca.bc.ca.