Joao Vieira (aka John Vieira) is charged with three counts of animal cruelty under the Criminal Code of Canada after officials took Vieira's animals into custody.
Nine sheep, seven goats, four horses, five large-breed dogs, two puppies, one cow and one rooster in various states of distress were rescued by the SPCA officers. The carcasses of dead horses, a bull and a goat were also found on the property.
Marcie Moriarty, chief prevention and enforcement officer for the BC SPCA, said Tuesday that Vieira has been the focus of several SPCA investigations during recent years and has three previous animal cruelty convictions.
"He has also been charged four times with breaching conditions of his sentencing, the most recent charge coming yesterday for violating a ban on owning animals," said Moriarty in a statement.
Moriarty said the 29 animals were being kept in overcrowded and inadequate conditions and were underweight and suffering from a range of medical issues, including parasites, abscesses, heart problems, infections, overgrown nails, dental issues and eye infections.
The livestock are now being cared for at foster boarding facilities in the Salmo Valley and the dogs and puppies are in the care of the Kelowna SPCA, where they will receive care before going up for adoption.
(Times Colonist - Feb 3, 2016)
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