Fifty-three animals seized from B.C. property, SPCA alleges neglect

HOUSTON, B.C. – The SPCA has seized 53 animals over allegations they were being neglected and kept in poor conditions at a property near Houston, in B.C.’s northern Interior.

The organization says horses, dogs, birds and cats were taken.

Marcie Moriarty, the society’s chief enforcement officer, says many of the 18 horses were underweight, had overgrown hooves and were suspected to have parasites.

She says there was no food in any of the horses’ enclosures and most of them did not have access to water during the seizure.

The society says the 18 dogs were being kept in unsanitary conditions and had dental issues and medical concerns, ranging from lacerations to extremely entangled hair.

Fifteen birds — cockatiels, love birds, quail, budgies and a parrot — were also sized.