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Two 'distressed' cats euthanized following massive SPCA seizure at Surrey property

BCSPCA officials say 'bio-security' issues were among reasons for seizure of 82 dogs and cats from a Surrey property Tuesday.
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A Boston terrier was among 82 dogs and cats seized by SPCA officials from a Surrey property Tuesday.

Officials with Surrey SPCA say one cat and one kitten in "critical distress" had to be euthanized Tuesday evening following a massive seizure of 82 animals from a breeding/boarding facility.

The pair were among 67 cats, 12 dogs and three puppies seized under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act during execution of a warrant Feb. 16 at a property near the Surrey/Langley border.

Marcie Moriarty, chief prevention and enforcement officer for the BCSPCA said all of the animals were deemed in distress, a term that can describe everything from physical condition of the animals themselves to the conditions in which they are being looked after.

Moriarty told Peace Arch News that "bio-security issues" – the potential for spread of contagious diseases – were a concern in this case.

The pets are being held under a protective hold – the cats are at Surrey's new seizure facility, the dogs are being held in Chilliwack – and cannot be viewed or adopted at this time.

The seized cats were primarily Persians and short-haired exotics; the dogs included four French bulldogs, a Boston terrier, a Pomeranian with three puppies, a Chihuahua, a poodle, a Rottweiler, a Doberman, a Jack Russell terrier and a shiba inu.

According to information online, the subject property – located in the 19400-block of Colebrook Road – is more than 100 acres; facility proponents advertise having 20 years' experience in foster care and breeding, a large enclosed garden and 38 rooms.

Reached by PAN Wednesday morning, operator Ivy Zhou indicated only that she did not speak English.

"I don't understand, sorry," Zhou said.

The SPCA investigation is ongoing.

Moriarty said the seizure is "absolutely" among the society's largest.

Other significant cases in recent months include the seizure last week of 66 animals from an alleged puppy mill in Langley.

In August, officers seized 57 animals – 35 dogs, 16 horses and six cats – from a South Cloverdale property following complaints of animal neglect. Moriarty said that case is among "a ton" of files still before the Crown and in which charges have been recommended by the SPCA.

 



Tracy Holmes

About the Author: Tracy Holmes

Tracy Holmes has been a reporter with Peace Arch News since 1997.
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