B.C. SPCA investigation: 29 animals rescued in Winlaw, B.C.
Joao Vieira has been charged with three counts of animal cruelty.
A man from B.C.'s Slocan Valley has been charged with animal cruelty for the fourth time, after the B.C. SPCA seized 29 distressed animals from a property near Winlaw on January 28.
Nine sheep, seven goats, four horses, five large-breed dogs, two puppies, a cow and a rooster were found in "inadequate conditions" in various states of distress, the SPCA said in a statement.
It says the animals were underweight, kept in overcrowded conditions and were found to be suffering from parasites, heart problems, dental issues and eye infections
The organization says it also found carcasses of dead horses, a bull and a goat on the property.
Joao (John) Vieira has been charged with three counts of animal cruelty.
The SPCA says Vieira has been the focus of several investigations in recent years.
"He has also been charged four times with breaching conditions of his sentencing, the most recent charge coming yesterday for violating a ban on owning animals," said Marcie Moriarty, the B.C. SPCA's chief prevention and enforcement officer, in a statement.
She says the animals are currently at a foster boarding facility, where they will receive veterinary care.