rescue

How the SPCA approves dog rescue groups

VERNON - There’s a wide range of standards among rescue groups across the province, and while animals are directly involved, that doesn’t mean the SPCA has a hand in how they operate.  Aspects of dog rescuing such as fostering and adoption procedures, holding periods, and vet-checks simply aren’t something the SPCA has a mechanism to...

Theft allegation behind Vernon dog rescue closure

VERNON - A controversial dog rescue in Vernon shut down its operations last week largely because of a specific allegation of theft involving the rescue's president caught on video, sources tell infoNEWS.ca. According to a volunteer, who has not yet agreed to be quoted for this story, she found her wallet missing following a Nov....

Vernon firefighters rescue man stuck in dumpster

VERNON - Emergency responders in Vernon recently came to the aid of a man in a rotten situation. Reported as a 'confined space rescue,' the unusual incident occurred when a man was taking out his garbage around 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 28. He accidentally tossed his keys in the dumpster along with the trash, and...

Vernon man says saving a life opened his eyes

VERNON - Ryan Winkler says he was just the guy who happened to drive by on that particular morning; police call him a life saver. Winkler, 36, was on his way to work around 4 a.m. when he saw a truck parked on the side of North Westside Road. The windows were taped up, the...

Deer found hanging by leg rescued by Vernon men

'IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A HORRIFIC DEATH’ VERNON - A deer left hanging from a chain link fence was rescued by two Vernon men over the weekend. Pete Wise, who operates a wildlife control company, was making his rounds at the Vernon airport early Saturday morning when he noticed the deer hanging by its leg....

RCMP, SPCA investigating woman accused of dragging puppy behind moving vehicle

OKANAGAN – After news of four Kelowna women who rescued a puppy that was injured while being pulled behind a moving vehicle in Oliver last week, the SPCA and RCMP have begun a joint investigation into possible animal cruelty. On Friday, June 12 at around 7:30 p.m., four women from Kelowna were on a wine...

Ducklings saved by local business owner

KELOWNA – When Noel Wentworth saw an anxious-looking duck on the side of the road last week he knew something wasn’t right. Wentworth and his family were driving home on Glenmore Road around 8 p.m. May 16 when he saw a panicked mother duck on the opposite side of the road. “She was basically running...

Vernon firefighters come to aid of entrapped person

VERNON - Emergency crews freed two people trapped in a car after an accident Tuesday morning. According to Vernon Fire and Rescue Services, there was a two vehicle accident just after 8 a.m. in the 4300 block of 32 Street. The driver and passenger in one of the vehicles involved were trapped inside until firefighters...

The amazing tale of Peaches the horse

FALKLAND - You might notice something slightly unusual about Peaches, a rescue horse in the North Okanagan. The Arabian/ Quarter Horse cross has only a stump where her tail should be. When Outbackjack’s Horse Rescue in Falkland took her in, she had a football-sized tumour on her tail. The surgery would cost $1,800. “People said...

Penticton firefighter commended for bravery

PENTICTON - A Penticton firefighter was commended for bravery during a presentation at the Jan. 14, 2015 meeting of Penticton city council. Penticton Mayor Andrew Jakubeit presented firefighter Curtis Gibbons with a Certificate of Commendation from the office of the Governor General of Canada in recognition of his assistance in helping a drowning swimmer in...

HELSTON: You’re never planning on getting into trouble on the water

When you’re packing up for a day on the water, toss in a floatation device along with your suntan lotion, snacks and iPhone. It might save your life, or someone else’s. I’ll be the first to admit that packing safety gear can feel like a big nuisance. It’s certainly not as fun as loading a...

Man rescued after falling nearly 30 feet

KAMLOOPS - Local fire, ambulance and search and rescue members rescued a man in his sixties after he fell nearly 30 feet down an embankment behind a house in Upper Sahali. Shortly after noon on Friday, Kamloops Fire Rescue were called in for a rope rescue and assisted ambulance responders by carrying the patient, secured...

Donkey refuge raising the barn

KAMLOOPS - A new property, a new barn and some new animals add up to one busy year for the Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge. Shirley Mainprize says they originally looked at moving out of the valley south of Chase but soon realized the valley offers the best environment for the donkeys. After visiting another property...

VIDEO: Horse rescued from river

PENTICTON — A wild horse was rescued from Trout Creek in Summerland this weekend, with efforts from fire crews and volunteers. The female horse named River, fought hard against the water to get to the shore, where she collapsed from exhaustion, reported Global News. She is recovering at O.A.T.S. Horse Rescue, they said. If you...