Officials from the BC SPCA removed animals from a residence at 910 Okanagan Avenue Thursday afternoon.
At least three dogs and approximately 12 animals crates containing cats and possibly other small animals were brought out of the home and loaded into multiple white trucks. The animals were taken to the Shuswap SPCA shelter for care and examination.
“We are still processing animals, so there’s not much I can tell you at this point,” said Kathy Woodward, senior animal protection officer for the Interior. “We’ll know more once we get everyone checked out.”
A veterinarian was also on site at the time the animals were seized.
It is not known why the animals were removed from the home. The Salmon Arm RCMP indicate they were in attendance as the animals were seized as a precaution to keep the peace.
Lorie Chortyk, a BC SPCA spokesperson, told the Observer that the investigation is ongoing and can not speak further at this time. She explained that in situations where animals are seized, the SPCA will give the owners a chance to rectify the situation by following the animal protection directives.
The BC SPCA indicates on their website is the only animal welfare organization in the province which has the authority to enforce laws relating to animal cruelty and to recommend charges to crown counsel.
The Observer has made repeated attempts to contact the owners of the animals.
