Dozens of animals seized in abuse investigation

SLOCAN – A Kootenay man is facing multiple charges of animal cruelty after the BC SPCA seized several of his animals last week.

Joao Vieira has been convicted of animal cruelty three times before, and now faces three more charges after investigators found several dead animals and dozens more that weren’t being cared for on his property near Winlaw.

The SPCA seized nine sheep, seven goats, four horses, five dogs, two puppies, one cow and a rooster. Global Okanagan reports they were all in various states of distress.

A spokesperson for the SPCA says the animals were being kept in overcrowded and unsuitable conditions, were underweight and suffered from medical issues.

A dead horse, bull and goat were also found on the property.

The dogs have been sent to the Kelowna SPCA and the rest of the animals are staying at temporary boarding facilities.

The B.C. SPCA is asking the public to call 1-800-665-1868 if they can donate hay to feed the livestock.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Adam Proskiw at aproskiw@infonews.ca or call 250-718-0428. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.