Animal cruelty Archives - BC SPCA
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News Category: Animal cruelty

BC SPCA rescues 28 animals from rural property in the Kootenays

October 16, 2025

On October 7, the BC SPCA brought 27 dogs and one cat into care from a rural property in the Kootenays, following an animal protection investigation involving concerns of irresponsible breeding and neglect. The 27 seized dogs were French bulldogs, Boston terriers, Kangal shepherds, and heelers, as well as several mixed-breed dogs, and included 12 …

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BC SPCA rescues 28 animals from rural property in the Kootenays

October 16, 2025

On October 7, the BC SPCA brought 27 dogs and one cat into care from a rural property in the Kootenays, following an animal protection investigation involving concerns of irresponsible breeding and neglect. The 27 seized dogs were French bulldogs, Boston terriers, Kangal shepherds, and heelers, as well as several mixed-breed dogs, and included 12 …

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BC SPCA statement on ongoing activities at Universal Ostrich Farm in Edgewood, B.C.

October 7, 2025

The BC SPCA’s vision is to see all animals and people thriving together, this includes companion, farmed and wild animals in British Columbia. The death of any animal always weighs heavy on the hearts of BC SPCA staff. We know how hard a situation like this can be on the animals and the community who …

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Update: BC SPCA disappointed with sentencing of Clearwater breeder following devastating animal cruelty case

June 3, 2025

On May 21, 2025, at the Kamloops Law Courts, Kurtis Leo Gordon Elliot was convicted of one count of owner neglecting animal or bird or failing to provide necessaries contrary to section 446(1)(b) of the Criminal Code of Canada.   Following his sentencing on May 27, 2025, Elliot is prohibited from owning, having the custody or …

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BC SPCA to co-host national animal protection election debate on April 23

Collie-type dog with a paw up in front of a lake
April 17, 2025

For the second time in Canadian history, federal candidates will square off on April 23 in a national all-party debate focused on animal protection issues. Animal protection first emerged as an election issue during the 2021 federal election, with the main parties making campaign announcements and platform commitments. A 2024 Nanos poll found 43 per …

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Ladysmith couple with previous history of animal abuse in Saskatchewan found guilty in B.C.

April 9, 2025

On April 4, 2025, at the Duncan Law Courts, Rhees William Kendall and Tanisha Lynn Kendall were found guilty of one count each of willfully causing or permitting unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to an animal or a bird, contrary to section 445.1(1)(a) of the Criminal Code.  Between October 31, 2023, and November 16, 2023, …

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Crown counsel approves charges in case of animal abuse

March 26, 2025

On March 3, 2025, Crown counsel approved charges of animal cruelty (Criminal Code, Section 445.1(1) (a)) against Zachary Petropolis, for causing unnecessary pain and suffering to a dog in Kelowna in December 2023. “We received a number of calls into the BC SPCA’s Animal Helpline about this individual abusing his dog,” says Eileen Drever, BC …

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Owner of horse found in critical distress pleads guilty

February 20, 2025

At the Penticton Law Courts on February 12, Charlotte Joan Patterson pled guilty to one count of causing or permitting an animal to be in distress contrary to section 24(1) Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act. On December 16, 2022, BC SPCA animal protection officers were attending an unrelated investigation in Cawston, B.C. when …

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BC SPCA aims to tackle root causes of animal suffering with launch of its new 2025-2030 strategic plan

February 6, 2025

The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) is setting its sights on a bold future for animal welfare in the province with the launch of its new 2025-2030 strategic plan. With an emphasis on tackling the root causes of animal suffering, while continuing to act as a safety net for …

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Update: charges of animal cruelty laid against Clearwater breeder

February 3, 2025

On January 27, charges of animal cruelty were laid against an individual in the case of 32 dogs rescued by BC SPCA Animal Protection Officers in February, 2024. Bonnie Milligan faces charges pursuant to the Criminal Code of Canada Section 445.1 (1)(a) willfully causing unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to an animal and Section 446.(1)(b) …

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