Woman charged with animal cruelty one year after large dog seizure in Clearwater

CLEARWATER, B.C. — A woman has been charged with animal cruelty nearly one year after the BC SPCA seized dozens of dogs from her property in Clearwater.

In a news release issued Monday (Feb. 3), the SPCA says Bonnie Milligan faces charges of willfully causing unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to an animal and willfully neglecting an animal or failing to provide suitable and adequate food, water, shelter and care.

The charges stem from an animal cruelty investigation in February 2024 when the SPCA seized 31 dogs of varying ages, including dachshunds, poodles, Mini Schnauzers and various poodle-mix breeds, from a property in Clearwater. One of the dogs, a senior dachshund, was euthanized after a large, abdominal mass was discovered to be a late-stage tumour.

At the time, the SPCA said the dogs were suffering physically and psychologically and would need extensive rehabilitation.

The SPCA says Milligan faces up to two years in jail, up to a $10,000 fine and a prohibition from owning or having custody of an animal if she’s convicted.

Milligan’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 25, 2025, in Clearwater Provincial Court. The SPCA says the court issued conditions to Milligan limiting the number of dogs in her possession, adding the dogs are not to be used for commercial purposes such as breeding. She must also permit an officer to inspect the property without notice.