The B.C. SPCA is hoping the latest cruelty charges against a Fraser Valley couple will result in a lifetime ban to finally stop them from what is described as chronic neglect of animals under their care.
Chilliwack residents Peter and Camille Devries were charged with five separate counts of animal cruelty under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Criminal Code this week. The couple was previously convicted of animal cruelty for separate incidents in 2003 and 2005.
The latest raid on their Yale Road East property saw the seizure of 47 fowl, 22 fish, nine birds, six dogs, five horses, three cows and one cat.
Veterinarians said all of the animals were thin or emaciated and suffering from infections and other medical conditions.
The SPCA says the couple was given ample opportunity to shape up, but despite receiving numerous orders about adequate feeding, vet treatment and sheltering, they didn't make the changes necessary to keep their animals.
"They have clearly demonstrated time and again they aren't capable of taking care of these animals," senior animal protection officer Eileen Drever told ctvbc.ca.
The case highlights an interesting and often frustrating struggle for animal protection officers in B.C. While officials pushed for a lifetime ban on owning animals during the couple's last court battle, it was declined, leaving the non-profit agency in a position where they are forced to closely monitor people they are certain will offend again based on their history.
"It's like babysitting," said Marcie Moriarty, general manager of cruelty investigations for the B.C. SPCA, told ctvbc.ca.
The SPCA's budget for enforcement comes directly from donor dollars, meaning it has to divert a large portion of its limited time and resources monitoring and rescuing animals they already know are in trouble – but can't do anything to rescue. In some cases, this becomes years of agency warnings and repeat offences by animal owners, sometimes ending in cruelty charges. Moriarty believes a lifetime ban on owning animals will end this cycle.
"We can only hope that this time the courts will see that the only way to stop the abuse in this case is to prevent them from ever having animals again."
Based on their history, Drever said nothing but a lifetime ban will do to end the neglect.
"Each raid we've done they were always left with something, but would always accumulate more and more. They can't stop collecting," she said.
If convicted, the Devrieses face a $10,000 fine, up to six months in jail and a lifetime ban on owning or taking care of animals. A court date has not been set. The couple is also awaiting trial for a separate charge of animal cruelty.
"I think jail time is warranted," Drever said. "Absolutely."
