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THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015
SPCA seizes rabbits from breeder I FOUR RABBITS, poodle euthanized as shelter looks at criminal charges.
Laura Brown, staff member at Nanaimo’s B.C. SPCA shelter, cradles one of 50 rabbits seized from a south Nanaimo property Friday. Four rabbits and a poodle had to be euthanized and charges of animal cruelty are being recommended against the owners.
BY KARL YU THE NEWS BULLETIN
Four rabbits and a poodle were euthanized following an animal seizure by the B.C. SPCA on Friday. Charges of animal cruelty are being recommended after 50 rabbits and a small poodle were found in bad condition on a south Nanaimo property following a tip. The rabbits were being kept in confined quarters with inadequate food and water. The owners told the SPCA the rabbits were being raised for meat and show. “The rabbits were kept in small wire cages that were corroded from urine, so they were rusty,” said Tina Heary, B.C. SPCA senior animal protection officer. “There was an excessive buildup of uncollected manure, so cages were filthy. “Some were without water, without food, there were some with health-related needs, lack of ventilation – there was a myriad of problems.” The dog was in very poor condition and in dire need of veterinary treatment, according to Heary. “The constable had assessed the dog as having severe dental disease – very rotten, broken teeth – and a spinal condition and luxating patellas ... the knees were popping out of the joints,” Heary said. The remaining rabbits are up for adoption, but Heary cautions that those adopting should know what they’re getting into. “Regardless of the species, when you have animals, you have to ensure that you have the time and the resources and the knowledge to properly care for them ... the legal
2015 S PRIU
KARL YU THE NEWS BULLETIN
responsibility lies with the owner to ensure that they’re providing for the health and welfare needs of their animals,” Heary said. All the information from the incident will be forwarded to Crown
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VOL. 26, NO. 100
counsel in Nanaimo, which will then decide on how to proceed. Heary said she wasn’t aware of any previous complaints against the owners.
One-per cent tax hike receives initial council approval BY TAMARA CUNNINGHAM THE NEWS BULLETIN
Residents can expect a one-per cent tax hike after councillors reluctantly took the first steps toward approving a new financial plan. Nanaimo council passed the first three readings of a five-year financial plan and tax rates bylaw on Monday, increasing the bill for a $350,000 home by just over $44. The decision wasn’t without hesitation. At least one city councillor wanted to see lower taxes, while others had concerns about budget cuts. Council axed $744,000 out of the 2015 budget earlier this year to shave 0.8 per cent off the budget, including dollars set aside for five new RCMP members. A new Hammond Bay fire hall has also been delayed until after a core review. Coun. Diane Brennan, who gave “reluctant” and “lukewarm” support to the budget, called measures taken by council extreme and without adequate consideration given to what the decisions mean now and in the future. “We’ve delayed the fire hall one more time. This is the fifth year. We have not added to the RCMP when we know some of the challenges that are faced there. We have reduced staff training at a time when we need our staff to be up to speed on whatever we throw at them and … we are delaying reports,” she said. “Just a number of things that we’ve done that I would call extreme measures and not a kind of measured response to what we’re faced with.” Brennan also said she can’t imagine a core services review will be an easy task, because it will push council into more extreme measures which she finds lamentable. Councillors Jerry Hong and Wendy Pratt also reluctantly approved this year’s budget. Hong wanted a zero-per cent tax hike and no reductions to the RCMP, while Pratt wished the increase remained at 1.8 per cent and felt time spent on finding ways to cut the budget was “misplaced” when council should be focusing on a core review.
reporter@nanaimobulletin.com
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