This past year tens of thousands of animals were rescued from deplorable and violent living conditions throughout the province by BC SPCA.

Cruelty investigation officers responded to a record number of large-scale seizures from puppy mills, animal hoarders and sub-standard breeders.

Ewok, was one of 66 dogs rescued from a puppy mill in Langley, in February. With fur matted and caked in feces, it took several months before the pup was fit for a forever home — which Ewok found in May.

In August of 2015, the BC SPCA’s special constables investigated a property in the Lower Mainland that would become known as the Surrey 57 seizure. In that seizure, a horse named Nugget was discovered – emaciated and neglected. By January of this year, Nugget was adopted.

A cat named Wilson was found in April wandering with several open wounds and various medical problems. The residents of B.C. raised enough money to get Wilson the surgery he needed to turn him from a grumpy cat into a happy fluff ball. He found his forever home just one month later.

These are just a few of the animals who were saved and adopted out by the BC SPCA this past year.

CEO Craig Dainel says thanks to donations and support the charity was able to offer cruelty prevention programs to thousands of young people.

“We also were able to meet with government officials at all levels to advocate for significant changes to improve the lives of companion, farm and wild animals,” he said.