N.B. SPCA seizes more than 30 horses

The New Brunswick SPCA seized more than 30 horses on Tuesday after a veterinarian raised concerns over their safety.

Joy Bacon, the president of the New Brunswick SPCA, said the organization received a complaint that some animals were not receiving proper care.

The SPCA launched an investigation and after consulting with a veterinarian, the large group of horses was taken into custody.

The animal welfaregroup would not say exactly how many horses were confiscated or in what community the animals were located. Bacon said those are factors in the ongoing investigation.

"The animals were not in great condition," Bacon said. "They were in a condition where the vet felt their safety was compromised. So, the decision was taken to move them."

Once the investigation is concluded, the SPCA will discuss the possibility of any charges with the Crown.

Bacon said it is one of the biggest removals of large animals in the New Brunswick SPCA's history.

The horses are being kept at a holding stable near Fredericton.

The animalsappeared emaciated and were being examined by veterinarians for diseases and other problems.

"I think it is always sad when animals are not well cared for," Bacon said. "I think that is the bottom line."

Volunteers helped

Many volunteers were called in on Tuesday night to help get the horses settled.

Jill Phillips, a local horse owner, was one of those volunteers who came in to help when the tractor trailer carrying the horses arrived.

She said the immediate tasks were to unload the horses, match mothers with babies and get them into stalls.

Phillips said the condition of the horses was concerning.

"It was the condition of them, extreme poor body weight, hip bones sticking out, backbones, breastbones," she said.