The BC SPCA is looking for assistance from the public to help cover care costs for 42 neglected horses seized from a property in the B.C. Interior in the spring.
Last March, 42 neglected horses were seized from a property in the B.C. Interior. Now, the SPCA said they need financial donations to help care for the animals. Photo: BC SPCA
According to the non-profit animal welfare organization, boarding, veterinary costs and other expenses now exceed $70,000 and donations are desperately needed.
“The animals have been in a legal dispute up until this point, but they are now legally in our care and we would like to ensure their treatment is completed as soon as possible so that we can find them all loving homes,” says Marcie Moriarty, chief prevention and enforcement officer for the BC SPCA.
The horses that were seized in March were found to be suffering from malnutrition as well as serious dental and hoof problems. Several horses have already been adopted, while others are still in SPCA custody, she added.
“It has been challenging to provide the necessary treatment for these horses because many of them are very timid and fearful of human handling,” said Moriarty. “They’ve had to be sedated during treatments, which adds significantly to the veterinary and farrier costs.”
Further complicating matters is the fact several of the horses were pregnant. Nine foals were born since the seizure occurred and Moriarty said more could be on the way.
“We are doing pregnancy testing on five more this week, so there may be additional horses who require ongoing care,” Moriarty said.
She added that help is urgently needed. Anyone who can donate should visit spca.bc.ca/emergency. To learn more about adopting a horse from the BC SPCA, email rescues@spca.bc.ca.
gmckenna@tricitynews.com
