RCMP in Vancouver Island’s Cowichan Valley say a flock of neglected sheep at a rural marijuana “grow op” marks its second such find this year.
The detachment’s street crew unit on Thursday reported that it had visited a rural North Cowichan property near Nanaimo on Wednesday to check on the livestock found there while they searched the premises the previous week.
The animals had first come to the Mounties’ attention Feb. 13 during the search of the site, “in relation to a large marijuana grow operation,” RCMP said in a release Thursday.
Read Also
USDA confirms bird flu case in Wisconsin dairy herd as new wildlife spillover
The United States Department of Agriculture on Friday confirmed that a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a Wisconsin dairy herd marked a new spillover event from wildlife to cattle, separate from previous outbreaks.
“Prior to departing the property, officers provided water and food to 12 sheep, who appeared to be hungry and in need of care,” Cpl. Kevin Day reported.
When the RCMP came back Wednesday to check on the sheep, “it was evident to them that the animals had not been cared for since their actions the previous Friday.”
The Mounties said they then called in the Cowichan Valley SPCA to ensure the animals’ well-being.
“This is the second time this year that officers have required the assistance of the SPCA, to deal with neglected animals, related to marijuana grow operations,” the RCMP reported.
