A Powell River resident is facing charges of animal cruelty following a BC SPCA investigation.

Carol Battaglio will make her first court appearance on April 4 to face charges under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act after SPCA constables removed nine alpacas, one llama and five chickens from her property.

“We were particularly concerned about two of the alpacas who had been deprived of adequate food, shelter, water and veterinary care,” said BC SPCA senior animal protection officer Tina Heary.

“They were emaciated, had matted fur and overgrown teeth and one of them, who was nursing, was infected with parasites.”

Heary said that a rooster found on the property was suffering from a serious injury and needed immediate veterinary care. The rooster and one alpaca had to be humanely euthanized due to the severity of their conditions and a second alpaca died despite efforts to keep her alive in foster care.

“It is always heart-breaking to see animals suffering unnecessarily and we are extremely happy that Crown counsel approved these charges,” she said.