In a decision under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act this year, a panel was satisfied the animals seized were in distress, with the exception of two snakes.
A former Ladysmith couple face nine animal cruelty charges and a nearly $90,000 fine after the SPCA seized 177 animals said to be in distress from their property.
The seizures were among the largest ever by the SPCA in B.C., said Eileen Drever, senior officer of protection and stakeholder relations. The SPCA recommended charges and it was up to Crown prosecutors to decide whether to approve them. “We’re happy to see that they’ve accepted charges,” Drever said.
A veterinarian who visited the property at the request of the couple last September found one-third of the 31 goats were very thin, one-third were borderline and the rest were fine. He said the feed provided was of poor quality and the goats were overcrowded, and he recommended increasing the quantity and quality of hay given to the goats and better feed.
The panel ordered the SPCA to return two snakes to the couple in exchange for a payment of $1,280 within six days of the decision to cover the cost of the snakes’ care. The payment was not made and the snakes were sent to new homes, Drever said. “Having to look them in the eyes when we were feeding our own animals, they would literally be trying to climb the fence to access food,” she said.
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