A Ladysmith couple were recently found guilty of causing harm to animals, following a pair of late 2023 seizures of almost 200 animals with many described as being emaciated. (Dreamstime)

By Jordan Davidson

animals removed

Ladysmith couple found guilty of animal cruelty after nearly 200 animals seized from property

Apr 10, 2025 | 9:54 AM

LADYSMITH — A couple must pay a fine and are forbidden from owning or breeding animals for a decade after nearly 200 animals in distress were removed from their property by the BC SPCA.

Rhees William Kendall and Tanisha Lynn Kendall were found guilty of one count each of willfully causing or permitting unnecessary pain, suffering, or injury to an animal or bird on Friday, April 4 at the Duncan Law Courts.

According to the BC SPCA, their animal protection officers seized 177 animals in distress from the property between Oct. 31 and Nov. 16, 2023.

Animals seized included 14 dogs, four cats, two snakes, 14 goats, 59 chickens, four ducks, 31 quail, and 48 rats.

Several other animals were subsequently surrendered to the SPCA or were born once in their care, bringing the total number of animals involved to nearly 200.

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Senior officer protection with the BC SPCA Eileen Drever said many of the animals seized 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. This sentencing sends a clear message that abuse and neglect of animals will not be tolerated.”

Court records show the couple appealed to have some of their animals returned, but were denied by the BC Farm Industry Review Board and ordered to pay almost $90,000 to cover the care of the animals in care of the SPCA

During the course of the investigation, it was learned the couple faced more charges of a similar nature out of Saskatchewan, approved in August 2023.

As a result of being found guilty, both people were ordered to pay a $10,000 fine and are prohibited from owning, breeding, buying, selling, or residing in the same premises of any animal or bird for a period of ten years.

The only exceptions are a female adult Dachshund, an adult female Himalayan mixed breed cat, and a budgie, with documented proof submitted to the SPCA of medical spay procedures to prevent any future breeding, and they cannot be replaced or substituted during their prohibition order.

The BC SPCA encourages anyone who may have information or witnessed animal abuse to call their Animal Helpline at 1-855-622-7722.

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