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'Absolutely disgusting' conditions: B.C. SPCA seizes 129 neglected cattle in Cawston

In subsequent visits SPCA officers noticed numerous carcasses of dead cows on the property.

The cows were up to their knees in mud and manure, said the B.C. SPCA which seized 129 cattle from the property in Cawston.
The cows were up to their knees in mud and manure, said the B.C. SPCA which seized 129 cattle from the property in Cawston. Photo by Submitted photo/B.C. SPCA

The B.C. SPCA has seized 129 neglected cattle from a farm in Cawston and plans to recommend charges of animal cruelty against the owner.

Eileen Drever said the SPCA received a complaint about the cattle’s conditions in December. Officers investigated and issued notices to the owner to improve the animals’ living conditions.

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In subsequent visits, officers noted that improvements have not been made and noticed numerous carcasses of dead cows on the property.

On Jan. 18, armed with a warrant, the SPCA seized 95 cows and another 34 on Jan. 25.

“The conditions in which the cattle had to live were just absolutely disgusting,” said Drever. “They were up to their knees in mud and manure.”

The cows had no access to shelter or protection from the elements, and did not have adequate food or drinking water, said the SPCA.

Some of the cattle were suffering from various medical issues including untreated eye infections, lameness, mastitis, overgrown hooves and diarrhea. Some also appeared to be injured from broken fencing.

In one of the visits, officers found three cattle that were in critical distress and had to be put down.

Drever said the owner was given ample opportunity to fix the problem, but ignored the recommendations.

The animals are currently in the care of the B.C. SPCA. The investigation is ongoing.

chchan@postmedia.com

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