The distressed horses at a property in Armstrong (photo courtesy of the B.C. SPCA)

By Liam Verster

Causing Distress to Animals

Armstrong resident barred from owning animals following injured horse investigation

Nov 27, 2025 | 11:52 AM

An Armstrong resident is prohibited from owning or residing with animals for the next decade and a half after distressed horses were found on her property.

Sandra Nickolls was the subject of an investigation into an injured horse on her property, which led to the discovery of three horses in concerning condition, including the injured animal, which was deemed to be in critical distress.

The B.C. SPCA said all three horses had overgrown hooves that were causing mobility issues.

They were also living in a shared shelter that had built-up feces that were contaminating their hay and water, and had grown to piles so high the animals were forced to climb over to enter and exit the structure.

The horse that was in critical distress was 26 years old, underweight, and had a severe and untreated leg injury. The SPCA said that, due to the significant suffering, the veterinarian who attended the scene during the investigation recommended a humane euthanasia.

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The other horses were seized and transferred to a foster farm with the hopes of making a recovery.

The B.C. Prosecution Service said Nickolls attended Vernon court on a charge of causing animals to continue to be in distress, where she pleaded guilty.

The court sentenced Nickolls to a prohibition to owning or residing with any animals, with the exception of one spayed or neutered cat, for a period of 15 years; a 12-month probation; and 40 hours of community service.