Latest news with #BSPCA
CTV News
08-06-2025
- CTV News
Breeder's sentencing in ‘appalling' dog starvation case too lenient, B.C. SPCA says
The B.C. SPCA is caring for 15 dogs and puppies that were allegedly found starving at a breeder's property in Clearwater. (Handout) The B.C. SPCA is 'deeply disappointed' with the light sentence handed to a B.C. breeder who had 15 starving dogs seized from his property in a 'horrific' cruelty case, according to a statement from the organization. Kurtis Leo Gordon Elliot was found guilty of one count of owner neglect in a Kamloops law court last month. His sentence was a 10-year prohibition on owning, having control of or residing with an animal – with an exception for one adult cat and some goldfish – the B.C. SPCA said. 'In my 45 years with the organization, this stands out as one of the most appalling instances of dog starvation I have encountered,' said says Eileen Drever, senior officer protection and stakeholder relations with the B.C. SPCA, in a media release. 'These dogs endured immense suffering, all so their 'guardian' could profit from their misery, making the light sentence even more difficult to accept.' The circumstances of the seizure were outlined in a news release from the B.C. SPCA in 2023. Animal protection officers searched the Clearwater property and found severely emaciated Cane Corso dogs and puppies living in 'horrific' conditions. 'Some of the dogs were kept outside all day in sub-zero temperatures, with no shelter from the elements, no food and water bowls frozen over,' Drever said at the time. 'There was evidence that at least three of the dogs had eaten parts of a blanket from the floor, desperate for anything to eat to try to stay alive.' Rescued puppies The B.C. SPCA is caring for 15 dogs and puppies that were allegedly found starving at a breeder's property in Clearwater. (Handout) In its statement on Elliot's sentencing, Drever said a lifetime prohibition on owning animals would have been more appropriate in the circumstances. Further, she said an order to pay a fine or to reimburse the B.C. SPCA for the costs it incurred would have sent a stronger message. 'Dogs are sentient beings capable of experiencing fear, suffering and joy. They are not commodities to be exploited – they deserve compassion, dignity and respect,' Drever's statement concluded.
CTV News
02-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
Newborn fawn rescued from Okanagan cliff
Central Okanagan Search and rescue shared this photo of a rescued fawn on May 31, 2025. (Facebook/CentralOkanaganSAR) Search and rescue crews doing a training exercise in the Okanagan saved a newborn fawn that had fallen down a cliff Saturday. Central Okanagan Search and Rescue shared the news in a social media post, saying the baby deer was spotted trapped on a cliff in Kalamalka Lake Park at Rattlesnake Point. 'The mule deer fawn was likely no more than one day old. She was quite wet and breathing quickly when we rescue her, but she was otherwise uninjured. We were able to access her… and carry her to the top of the steep cliff where her mother was last seen,' said COSAR boat captain Mitch LaRue, in a Facebook post. 'We have rescued dozens of people over the years and even a few dogs, but a newborn baby deer was definitely a first for me.' Fawning season in B.C. is from May to June, and the B.C. SPCA issues advice annually to anyone who spots what they think is a baby deer in need of rescuing. According to the charity, it's normal for a doe to leave her newborn fawn alone for lengthy periods of time. 'Fawns can't follow their mothers for the first two weeks, so they spend nearly all their time alone. Mom comes back generally around dawn and dusk to nurse them,' a post on the organization's website says. 'Fawns are only cat-sized when born, so it's normal for them to look small and weak.' Anyone who is worried a fawn has been orphaned or abandoned is urged to monitor the animal and consult with an expert before taking action. Signs the animal may need rescuing include if it is seen staying in the same hiding spot for more than 24 hours, or if it is 'wandering aimlessly' and/or 'crying continuously,' the B.C. SPCA says. People who think they have spotted a fawn in distress are urged to contact a local wildlife rehabilitator or the Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277.
CTV News
01-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
Newborn fawn rescued from Kelowna cliff
Central Okanagan Search and rescue shared this photo of a rescued fawn on May 31, 2025. (Facebook/CentralOkanaganSAR) Search and rescue crews doing a training exercise in Kelowna saved a newborn fawn that had fallen down a cliff Saturday. Central Okanagan Search and Rescue shared the news in a social media post, saying the baby deer was spotted trapped on a cliff in Kalamalka Lake Park at Rattlesnake Point. 'The mule deer fawn was likely no more than one day old. She was quite wet and breathing quickly when we rescue her, but she was otherwise uninjured. We were able to access her… and carry her to the top of the steep cliff where her mother was last seen,' said COSAR boat captain Mitch LaRue, in a Facebook post. 'We have rescued dozens of people over the years and even a few dogs, but a newborn baby deer was definitely a first for me.' Fawning season in B.C. is from May to June, and the B.C. SPCA issues advice annually to anyone who spots what they think is a baby deer in need of rescuing. According to the charity, it's normal for a doe to leave her newborn fawn alone for lengthy periods of time. 'Fawns can't follow their mothers for the first two weeks, so they spend nearly all their time alone. Mom comes back generally around dawn and dusk to nurse them,' a post on the organization's website says. 'Fawns are only cat-sized when born, so it's normal for them to look small and weak.' Anyone who is worried a fawn has been orphaned or abandoned is urged to monitor the animal and consult with an expert before taking action. Signs the animal may need rescuing include if it is seen staying in the same hiding spot for more than 24 hours, or if it is 'wandering aimlessly' and/or 'crying continuously,' the B.C. SPCA says. People who think they have spotted a fawn in distress are urged to contact a local wildlife rehabilitator or the Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277.
Daily Tribune
18-04-2025
- General
- Daily Tribune
Fervour of charity: Community service at NMS
New Millennium School has demonstrated its commitment to community service by donating BD 300 to The Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA) which is a charitable, non-profit organisation dedicated to the welfare of animals. The generous contribution was raised through NMMUN (New Millennium Model United Nations Conference, 2024). New Millennium School had hosted its 10th MUN conference on 15th and 16th of November, 2024, in which around 450 delegates from 7 schools across Bahrain had participated. The donation will support the BSPCA in its ongoing efforts to rescue, shelter, and rehome animals in need across Bahrain. The initiative reflects NMS's dedication to instilling values of compassion and social responsibility in its students. The school hopes to continue supporting local charities and encouraging students to take an active role in community service. Chairman Dr. Ravi Pillai, Managing Director Geetha Pillai and Principal Dr Arun Kuumar Sharma, congratulated and appreciated the efforts of the NMMUN organising committee for continuing the legacy with great success and thanked both the parents and the teachers for their efforts in inculcating the sense of social responsibility among students.
