16 horses, 35 dogs, 6 cats seized by BC SPCA in Surrey
Animals surrendered by owner after complaints of animal neglect
The BC SPCA has seized 16 horses, 35 dogs, and six cats from a Surrey property after complaints of animal neglect.
BC SPCA chief prevention and enforcement officer Marcie Moriarty told CBC News the animals were suffering from various states of malnutrition and were being kept without proper access to food, water, or shelter.
"Some dogs were chained to a horse stall," said Moriarty. "Some [horses] had overgrown or chipped hooves."
Moriarty said the seizure puts a huge strain on SPCA resources, estimating the cost of care at $20,000.
"Especially the horses — horse care and especially in this condition, requires a ton of resources."
The owner of the animals surrendered them to the SPCA while a cruelty investigation is underway.
Moriarty said the 35 dogs will be distributed to SPCA shelters across the Lower Mainland for ongoing care and adoption, while the horses will be kept at the SPCA in Surrey until permanent homes can be found.