129 neglected cattle seized from B.C. property with 'numerous' dead animals: SPCA
Cows did not have enough food or drinking water, struggled to move through mud
Animal protection officers with the SPCA have seized 129 cattle from a property in southeastern British Columbia.
The society says the neglected cattle were being housed in substandard conditions on a property in Cawston, B.C., with no access to shelter or protection from the elements.
In an interview, Eileen Drever said the cows did not have adequate food or drinking water and were struggling to move through the mud.
"To treat them this way towards the end of their life is just inexcusable," she said, adding the owner ignored multiple warnings from the SPCA to improve conditions for the animals before they were seized.
Drever said the cows were suffering from a range of medical issues, including untreated eye infections, lameness, inflamed udders, overgrown hooves and diarrhea.
"During the execution of a warrant, [some of] the animals met the definition of being in critical distress and had to be euthanized on the property," she said. "All in all it was quite disgusting."
The statement says "numerous carcasses'' of dead cows were also discovered on the property.
Drever says the surviving animals are currently in the care of the provincial SPCA, and charges of animal cruelty are being recommended.
She said if the Crown decides to approve charges, the farm owner could face a fine of up to $75,000, serve two years in prison and may never be allowed to own cattle again.
With files from Janella Hamilton