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, BC SPCA animal protection officers seized 177 animals in distress from a property in Ladysmith, British Columbia. Several other animals were subsequently surrendered to the BC SPCA or born once in the BC SPCA’s care, totalling nearly 200 animals involved.
“Many of the animals were emaciated. They were all living in unsanitary conditions, with a lack of adequate food and water. A lack of appropriate veterinary care for the animals was also evident as many had unaddressed medical concerns,” says Eileen Drever, senior officer protection and stakeholder relations with the BC SPCA. “This sentencing sends a clear message that abuse and neglect of animals will not be tolerated.”
During the investigation, the BC SPCA learned that additional charges under Section 446(1) (b) and Section 445.1(1) (a) of the Criminal Code and Saskatchewan’s Animal Protection Act (APA) Section 4(2) had been approved on August 15, 2023, against both R. Kendall and T. Kendall.
Following their respective convictions, R. Kendall and T. Kendall have each been ordered to pay a $10,000 fine and are both prohibited in Canada from owning, breeding, purchasing or selling, having the custody or control of or residing in the same premises as any animal or bird for a period of 10 years. The only exceptions to these prohibitions are one female adult Dachshund, one female adult Himalayan mixed breed cat, and a budgie, with documented proof submitted to the BC SPCA of medical spay procedures to prevent any future breeding of these animals. These animals may not be substituted or replaced at any point during the term of their prohibition order.
If any member of the public has firsthand information about either of Rhees William Kendall or Tanisha Lynn Kendall breaching the conditions of their prohibitions within Canada, they are encouraged to reach out to the BC SPCA’s Animal Helpline (1-855-622-7722) or the local police and animal welfare enforcement agencies where the offense occurred.