Former Sask. couple sentenced after nearly 200 animals seized from B.C. property

WATCH: A Saskatchewan couple with a history of animal neglect allegations was just found guilty of additional charges in a B.C. court earlier this month.

A former Saskatchewan couple with a history of animal neglect allegations was just found guilty of additional charges in a B.C. court earlier this month.

Rhees William Kendall and Tanisha Lynn Kendall, formerly of the Swift Current area, were charged after SPCA animal protection officers seized 177 animals in distress from their property in Ladysmith, British Columbia between Oct. 31 and Nov. 16, 2023, the B.C. SPCA said in a news release.

“Many of the animals were emaciated. They were all living in unsanitary conditions, with a lack of adequate food and water. A lack of appropriate veterinary care for the animals was also evident as many had unaddressed medical concerns,” said Eileen Drever, senior officer protection with the B.C. SPCA.

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On April 4, the couple was found guilty in a Duncan, B.C. courtroom of one count each of causing unnecessary pain and suffering to animals.

They each face a $10,000 fine and are both prohibited in Canada from owning, breeding, purchasing or selling, having the custody or control of, or residing in the same premises as any animal or bird for a period of 10 years.

“This sentencing sends a clear message that abuse and neglect of animals will not be tolerated,” said Drever.

Photos from the property shared with CTV News by a neighbour can be seen in the gallery below. Several of the images are graphic.

According to the B.C. SPCA, the couple was allowed three exceptions to the prohibition for an adult Dachshund dog, a female adult Himalayan mixed breed cat and a budgie, provided they submit proof of medical spay procedures to prevent any future breeding.

The SPCA says its officers learned during their investigation the couple also faced animal abuse charges in Saskatchewan from August, 2023.

Swift Current Online reported Tanisha Kendall was sentenced to a lesser, non-criminal violation of the Saskatchewan Animal Protection Act on March 5 and received a $1,000 fine and a 10-year prohibition for that charge, with exceptions.