A BC SPCA investigation is under way into the death of a horse who was humanely euthanized by RCMP officials in Keremeos on June 5.

The horse had collapsed and was deemed to be in critical condition. “On June 6 our constables were alerted to allegations that the horse may have been beaten. We immediately launched an investigation and initiated the witness interview process,” said Marcie Moriarty, general manager of cruelty investigations for the BC SPCA. “We will also be exhuming the body as soon as possible to determine the nature of any injuries sustained prior to the onsite euthanasia.”

Moriarty says the SPCA is confident it will uncover the facts in the case but cautions the public about jumping to conclusions until the investigation is complete. “This case has understandably raised a lot of public concern and anger, but it is important that people wait for the truth to be uncovered rather than reacting to the many rumours that are circulating. We want to assure people that we are investigating thoroughly and if an offense has occurred we will definite take appropriate action.”

The BC SPCA is a non-profit organization funded primarily by public donations. Our mission is to prevent cruelty and to promote the welfare of animals through a wide range of services, including cruelty investigations, emergency rescue and treatment, sheltering and adoption of homeless and abused animals, humane education, advocacy, farm animal welfare, spay/neuter programs, and wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.