SURREY, B.C. -- Special constables with B.C.'s SPCA are alleging a mass case of animal neglect and have removed 57 animals from a Surrey, B.C., property.
The society said a variety of animals were found suffering from severe malnutrition in substandard living conditions, without proper access to food, water or shelter.
Golden retrievers, Dalmatians and Pomeranians were among 35 dogs left to fend on their own, along with six cats and 16 horses suffering from cracked and overgrown hooves.
Enforcement officer Marcie Moriarty said the dogs were transferred to the Vancouver SPCA hospital for initial examination and triage on Tuesday.
The animals will be distributed to shelters across B.C.'s Lower Mainland over the coming days to ensure care and to facilitate adoption.
The society's investigation into the cruelty case continues.
It's estimated that care of the animals will cost $20,000.
"Whenever we have a large seizure of animals it puts added strain on our financial and staff resources," Moriarty said in a statement.
"We hope that new, loving homes can be found for them as soon as possible."
She noted that it is particularly challenging to find homes for horses, given the specialized needs and costs associated with their care.
