British Columbia

Starving horses seized from Fraser Valley property

Five severely emaciated horses — including a pregnant mare — are in need of help after being seized from a Fraser Valley property earlier this month by the B.C. SPCA.

B.C. SPCA says five horses - including a pregnant mare - were found emaciated and poorly housed

This pregnant mare was one of five emaciated horses seized at a rural Fraser Valley property by the BC SPCA. (BC SPCA)

Five severely emaciated horses — including a pregnant mare — are in need of help after being seized from a Fraser Valley property earlier this month by the BC SPCA.

Senior Animal Protection Officer, Eileen Drever says the B.C. SPCA has seized 80 abused or neglected horses in B.C. in the past 5 months, with 15 of them still under the organization's care.

"In my 34 years being with the organization, we have never seized so many horses in such a short period of time," she said. "Unfortunately, horses are viewed as being disposable. Horses are really cheap right now and anybody can pick up a horse."

Drever is hoping that members of the public will come forward to help with donations or offer homes for the neglected animals. The pregnant mare is close to foaling and is especially expensive to care for, she said.

“The horses were severely undernourished and were suffering from a range of medical issues.The pregnant mare in particular will require specialized care due to her compromised condition."