Update: 54 Animals Seized From Property

Mar 25, 2019 | 5:07 PM

UPDATE

The BC SPCA says it seized 54 animals from a North Okanagan property after a search warrant was executed.

Fourty-six horses, four dogs and four pigs were seized on Irish Creek Road north-west of Vernon, after complaints the animals were left unattended and were not receiving adequate care.

Officials say the animals were under-weight, with inadequate shelter, food and water.

“SPCA constables met with the owner of the animals earlier this month and issued a number of orders for changes that were required to relieve the distress of the animals,” says Eileen Drever, senior officer, protection and stakeholder relations for the BC SPCA. “We have monitored the situation and requested daily documentation that the orders were being met. Unfortunately we were not satisfied that the owner had made the necessary changes and sought a warrant to remove the animals.”

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The animals have been moved to undisclosed locations in the Okanagan, where they are being examined by veterinarians and receiving on-going care.

The BC SPCA investigation into the case continues.

A suspicious fire destroyed a home on the property 10 days ago, which RCMP are investigating.

Original story

Officials from the SPCA seized several dogs from a North Okanagan property today, claiming the animals were not being cared for properly.

Brian Kijowski from the agency says dozens of horses, along with a few pigs and sheep are also being checked over by a veterinarian after a search warrant was executed at the site on Irish Creek Road.

“The warrant allows us to access the property and to examine the animals that are on the property to determine their distress,” says Kijowski.

He says it’s not known if any charges will result from the search.

“We seized four dogs due to the conditions they were living in. They were under-weight, they were matted, there was no shelter or food.”

The dogs will be looked after at a shelter.

Lorie Chortyk from the BC SPCA tells Beach Radio News, they are still determining the number of animals involved in the seizure.

A house on the property was destroyed by a fire March 15th which is being investigated by police as suspicious.

by Corey Fischer