The BC SPCA seized 88 animals, including dogs, cats, and farm animals from a former farm in Langley.
In total, 45 dogs, 18 cats, 24 farm animals including goats, chickens, and ducks, and a turtle were removed from the home in the 5500 block of 216th Street Monday, said SPCA chief enforcement officer Marcie Moriarty.
Three dead animals were found on the property, and one of the dogs was in critical distress when found. It has since been euthanized, after speaking to its owner’s veterinarian
“We received a complaint about animals in distress on this property and obtained a warrant to view the animals,” said Moriarty.
The 88 animals removed met the definition of distress under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, Moriarty said.
A goat was carried out and loaded into a van, and officers used pet carriers to remove roosters and chickens, ducks, pigeons, a pot bellied pig, and cats.
The animals are thought to be suffering from malnutrition, emaciation, and severe dental disease, said Moriarty.
She said the home was not a puppy or cat breeding mill.
The caregiver for the animals is Sandra Simans, founder of 1atatime Rescue.
“We’ve spent tens of thousands of dollars on our animals (and) we’re not neglecting them,” Simans told the Vancouver Sun. “That’s not our mandate.
“I think there’s a bit of bad blood [with the BCSPCA] and it [the seizure] was heavy-handed.”
In 2012, the SPCA seized 52 dogs and 19 cats from Simans’ Burnaby residence. Some of the animals were adopted out, but others were returned to Simans after she moved to Surrey.
Simans sued the SPCA. A judge found the seizure of the animals was justified, but awarded Simans $2,500 in damages for defamation, for a statement by SPCA officials implying she had caused harm to one dog, which she had been caring for after it came to her with a broken jaw.
“Part of being a responsible rescue group is to take in the number of animals you can adequately care for,” said Moriarty. “If an individual or group becomes overwhelmed the BC SPCA is always here to help. But it is not acceptable to take in animals and allow them to continue suffering without proper nutrition, housing or veterinary care.”
The cats and dogs seized this week were taken to the BC SPCA shelters in Vancouver and Surrey.
The site did not have a business license and under its current zoning, is not eligible for a kennel license.
- with files from the Vancouver Sun
