SURREY — BC SPCA seized 57 animals from a Surrey property following an animal neglect investigation.
Thirty-five dogs were seized – including golden retrievers, Dalmations, Pomeranians – as were 16 horses and six cats.
The SPCA says the animals were suffering from various states of severe malnutrition and were kept in substandard living conditions without proper access to water, food and shelter.
They report the horse suffered from chipped, cracked and overgrown hooves.
Marcie Moriarty, BC SPCA’s chief preventions and enforcement officer, said all the dogs were transferred to the organization’s Vancouver shelter and hospital Tuesday, but will be sent to shelters throughout the Lower Mainland this week.
“Whenever we have a large seizure of animals it puts added strain on our financial and staff resources,†she said. “The BC SPCA would be grateful for any donations to help support the ongoing care and treatment for these animals and we hope that new, loving homes can be found for them as soon as possible.â€
It’s particularly hard to find homes for horses, she noted, given the specialized needs and costs associated with their care.
To donate to the care of these animals, which the SPCA estimates at about $20,000, visit Spca.bc.ca/medicalemergency or call 604-681-7271.
Once the dogs and cats are available for adoption, they will be posted at Spca.bc.ca/adopt. Those interested in adopting horses can email edrever@spca.bc.ca.