The BC SPCA says 10 dogs are safe after they were rescued from a remote property outside Fort St. John. Their owners had been hospitalized and the dogs were living without care.

Besides living outside, the dogs appeared to be enthusiastic about being rescued, said Eileen Drever, senior officer, protection and stakeholder relations at the BC SPCA:

As a result, our officers reached the property immediately and provided food and water to the dogs, along with an initial health inspection. About 150 meters from the main road, the property is accessible by foot, and dogs are kept on tethers outside farther in. The dogs began barking frantically when our officers approached – they were so excited to see people.”

When presented with food, the dogs “ate voraciously” and were friendly to the people helping them.

In an effort to get in touch with the owner, the agency was able to locate the dogs, who had no one else to take care of them and voluntarily surrendered them. Several of the dogs were flown to Prince George by a cargo plane by the animal welfare agency; the remaining four were driven there.

They are said to be in mostly good health, aside from some dental issues and dirty/matted fur.