Dogs seized near Clearwater on an expensive road to recovery

NEWS — Sixteen dogs seized from a property in Clearwater earlier this month are continuing their road to recovery.

The Kelowna and Penticton branches of the B.C. SPCA are continuing to work with the badly neglected canines through a rehabilitation program that focuses on medical care, emotional welfare development and socialization, but veterinary costs have escalated, as many of the dogs need more extensive medical treatment than initially identified.

“Sadly, many of the dogs require intensive dental medical treatment as well as other surgeries,” said Suzanne Pugh, manager of the Kelowna branch.

Most have now been spayed or neutered.

“One dog is recovering from a five-hour surgery where several masses were removed, samples have been sent away for diagnosis and extensive dental work was carried out. Another has a heart condition requiring further monitoring.”

The dogs, mostly standard poodle and golden retriever crosses, were seized by SPCA constables. Two horses were also removed from the property and three dead animals were found.

The dogs are being placed in foster care so SPCA staff and volunteers can continue to monitor their medical and emotional conditions.

“We hope to have the dogs in foster care for a short time and then place them up for adoption once they are ready,” Pugh said.

Donations can be made online at the Kelowna branch or Penticton branch or in person, at 3785 Casorso Rd., Kelowna and at 2200 Dartmouth Drive, Penticton.