Dozens of farm animals seized from property in Mission, officers pepper-sprayed

More than two dozen animals have been seized from a hobby farm in the Mission area.

They includenine pigs, three goats, three turkeys, two alpacas, two horses, two dogs, a calf, a llama, a miniature horse andaminiature pony.

Thursday's raid followed public complaints of animal neglect, according toBCSPCAspokespersonLoriChortyk.

"They were suffering from a range of medical conditions; seriousmalnourishment, many of the animals were emaciated they had parasites, skin and eye conditions, lice."

Pepper-spray attack prompts arrest

When officers arrived on the property, she said they were confronted by the owner.

"When we executed the warrant, the owner pepper-sprayed our staff ... it affected their throats, but they continued with their work and got the animals to safety."

The woman suspect was arrested by Mountiesat the scene. Chortyk saidthey've had a number of interactions with her in the past.

As for the rescued animals, they'll be kept in the care of the SPCA's Surrey branch.

"We care for the animals and make sure they recover," Chortyk explained. "The owner always has the rightto appeal for the return of the animals.if they don't do that, the animals will go up for adoption."

The BC SPCA are recommendinganimal cruelty charges be laid in the case.