Over 2 dozen animals seized from Burns Lake property

Over two dozen animals including several puppies have been seized from a farmin northern B.C. after they were left tied up outside in the winter weather.

The BC SPCArescued 13 dogs, seven young puppiesand seven horses from theremote property in Cheslatta, south of Burns Lake.

Six of the puppies were less than two days old, while the other was three weeks old.

An SPCAstatement said the dogs had been"tethered" outside. The horses, some of which were pregnant mares, had no water or shelter and "limited access" to food.

"They were eating snow for hydration," saidConst. Dale Bakken.

The officer said the man who owns the farmonly lives there in the summer. During the winter months, he only visits on evenings and weekends.

SPCAofficials had to take a ferry to reach the property. It was 15 C during the seizure.

The dogs are now being cared for at the North Cariboo SPCA branch in Prince George. The horses are staying with an equine rescue group in the same city.

The SPCA said its investigation is ongoing and that it may be recommending charges of animal cruelty.