By Greg Fry

Williams Lake man charged with animal cruelty after dozens of dogs seized

Jul 4, 2018 | 11:36 AM

WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C. — A Williams Lake man has been charged with two counts of animal cruelty.

It follows the seizure of 46 neglected dogs and puppies by the BC SPCA from the rural property of Terry Baker north of Williams Lake.

The dogs were seized in February and included American Eskimo, border collie, husky and Samoyed breeds.

“The dogs were seized because of lack of shelter, poor sanitation and inadequate veterinary care, but the biggest issue once they were in our care was that they were terrified of human contact,” says Chief Prevention and Enforcement Officer Marcie Moriarty. 

As a result, she says staff had to work “around the clock” to help the dogs cope with everyday sights and sounds.

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“One of the complications was that several of the dogs were pregnant and gave birth shortly after coming into SPCA care, but were too frightened to let staff near them or their puppies,” Moriarty adds.

Thanks to the efforts of staff, she says just eight of the 46 dogs remain in SPCA care. 

If convicted, Baker faces a maximum fine of $10,000, up to five years in jail and up to a lifetime ban on owning animals.