BC SPCA seizes 129 neglected cattle from Cawston property

Photo: BC SPCA

The BC SPCA has seized 129 neglected cattle from a property in Cawston.

Over the course of two separate seizures, the animals were rescued from their substandard conditions with no access to shelter or protection from the elements.

The SPCA reports that "numerous" carcasses of dead cows were discovered.

"The pens where the cattle were kept were deep in mud, water and manure, which covered the animals up their legs and bodies,” says Eileen Drever, senior officer, protection and stakeholder services for the BC SPCA.

“The cows did not have adequate food or drinking water and were struggling to move through the mud.”

The cattle also had a range of medical issues, including untreated eye infections, lameness, mastitis, overgrown hooves and diarrhea.

“Some of the cattle appeared to have been injured by broken fencing around the pens as well,” says Drever.

The cattle are now under BC SPCA care. An investigation is ongoing and charges of animal cruelty are being recommended.