111 animals, including reptile, seized from B.C. property; SPCA investigating

Unsanitary living conditions prompted the BC SPCA Animal Protection team to remove 111 distressed animals from a Lower Mainland property this week.

According to an ‘emergency alert’ posted by the society, the seizure – which took place Wednesday (Aug. 16) – included 42 dogs and puppies, 48 cats and kittens, 12 birds, eight rabbits and a reptile.

Few details were shared due to the ongoing investigation, however, officials confirm the seizure was related to an ongoing animal-cruelty investigation.

“Some of the animals are underweight, matted or showing signs of skin conditions. The living spaces where the animals were held were unsanitary – offering inadequate shelter and a lack of clean drinking water, among other concerns,” BC SPCA communications manager Kaila Butler told Peace Arch News.

The animals are under the care of veterinarians. An appeal for donations notes “a number” of BC SPCA Animal Centre teams are working tirelessly to make sure each animal is provided what they need.

“That includes adequate food and water, vet care, comfort and safe shelter – essential freedoms that sadly some of the animals were deprived of.”

A personalized treatment plan will be drafted for each, the appeal continues, noting the sheer number of animals seized means “a lot” of resources will be required to care for them.

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With shelter space across the province already stretched, officials say the pressure of the latest seizure will be shared across multiple animal centres.

“The focus is on getting each animal the dedicated care and attention they need to feel safe and ensure they are healthy.”