SPCA pulls remains of 52 sled dogs from B.C. grave

WHISTLER, B.C. - A team with the B.C. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has dug up the remains of 52 sled dogs so far in its investigation into the slaughter of about 100 dogs last year near Whistler, B.C.

Marcie Moriarty with the SPCA says the exhumation of the mass grave should be complete within two days, while necropsies could take several more weeks.

After careful digging, the remains were examined and x-rayed onsite before being sent to the Lower Mainland for further processing.

The SPCA launched its investigation after allegations surfaced that a sled dog operator slaughtered the animals in April last year and as a result sought worker's compensation for post-traumatic stress disorder.

Moriarty says she can't discuss the specifics but new information has come to light from the dig, and it will be forwarded to the Crown with the aim of pressing animal cruelty charges.

She says the animals will get a proper burial after the investigation is complete.

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  A team of BC SPCA constables, veterinarians and forensic scientists complete the exhumation of a mass grave of sled dogs near Whistler, B.C., on Sunday May 8, 2011. (HO, BC SPCA - Lorie Chortyk / THE CANADIAN PRESS)