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The BC SPCA has seized 46 neglected dogs and puppies from a rural property north of Williams Lake.

Marcie Moriarty, chief prevention and enforcement officer for the BC SPCA, said the dogs, a mix of breeds including American Eskimo, border collies, husky and Samoyed crosses, were seized Feb. 22 because of “lack of shelter, poor sanitation and inadequate veterinary care.”

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The 46 dogs were confined to a half-acre parcel of land with no shelter.

“It was freezing,” said Moriarty.

The dogs are now in the care of SPCA veterinary and behavioural staff who are developing treatment and behaviour modification plans.

“With so many special needs dog, we’ve had to utilize a number a different shelters across the province to care for them,” Moriarty said.

Moriarty said dealing with such serious psychological distress in dogs is a complex and long-term process.

“These dogs are terrified of human contact but we are doing everything we can to address their psychological distress through anti-anxiety medication and other treatments. At this initial stage we’re focusing on reducing their emotional distress to the point where they can eat and drink and we will move forward step by step from there.”