
BC SPCAHomes are being sought for 100 horses in Armstrong, B.C. following an animal cruelty investigation led by the B.C. SPCA.

The horses in question belong to Gary Roberts, 69, who is currently facing two counts of animal cruelty charges stemming from a December 2014 investigation resulting in 16 of his 117 horses being seized. The animals were ranked between 0.5 and 1.5 on the body condition scale, which goes up to 9 for anyone unfamiliar with it.

Roberts is being forced to get rid of his remaining 100 horses who will be up for purchase at a court-ordered sale on February 7 at Valley Auction in Armstrong, B.C. Viewing of the horses in question will be available on February 6 prior to the sale and additionally there will be photos posted on the Valley Auction website.

The horses will be auctioned at noon on Saturday, Feb 7 at the Valley Auction Sales Yard, which is located on Highway 97A just south of Armstrong and only minutes north of Vernon.

BC SPCAThe Valley Auction owner, Don Raffan, noted that this is the biggest herd they will have ever auctioned via one owner and that "the biggest part of this is spread the word and hopefully everyone will come and support the sale. Let’s save this thing and make it turn out for the good".

As many horse people know, public sales are a major risk for any horse. These auctions are frequented by "kill buyers" who purchase horses for the purpose of slaughter. It is unclear as to whether or not the horses who have been seized have training of any kind, which makes them a target for kill buyers.

While the SPCA’s animal protection officers would like to see the horses go to good homes, they do caution against people rushing to “rescue” the animals without seriously considering their own resources. That being said, if you are an experienced horse person with the resources available, please consider attending this sale and saving a life.

If you are unable to rescue a horse, please share this story in the hopes that someone else may be able to step up for one of these deserving souls.

UPDATE - The results are in following the Valley Auction in Armstrong, B.C. Click here to read.