A couple who were facing animal neglect charges in a Swift Current court last month have been convicted of similar offences in a British Columbia court last week.
On April 4, Rhees William Kendall, now 32, and Tanisha Lynn Kendall (aka Perrault), now 27, were each found guilty in the Duncan Law Courts of willfully causing or permitting unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to an animal or bird. Between Oct. 31, 2023, and Nov. 16, 2023, BC SPCA animal protection officers seized 177 animals in distress from a property in Ladysmith, B.C.
“Many of the animals were emaciated,” said Eileen Drever, senior officer protection and stakeholder relations with the BC SPCA. “They were all living in unsanitary conditions, with a lack of adequate food and water. A lack of appropriate veterinary care for the animals was also evident as many had unaddressed medical concerns.”
Both Rhees Kendall and Tanisha Kendall have been ordered to pay a $10,00 fine and are prohibited from owning, breeding, purchasing or selling, having the custody or control of or residing in the same premises as any animal or bird for 10 years. The only exceptions to these prohibitions are for one female Dachshund, a Himalayan mixed breed cat, and a budgie.
"This sentencing sends a clear message that abuse and neglect of animals will not be tolerated,” said Drever.
During BC SPCA’s investigation they learned that the couple were also facing similar charges in Saskatchewan stemming from September 2022.
According to court documents obtained by SaskToday, on Aug. 15, 2023, the couple were charged in a Swift Current court with similar offences. Rhess and Tanisha Kendall were each charged with being responsible for animals (dogs, cats, rats, snakes and rabbits) and did cause or permit the animals to be or to continue to be in distress, and willfully neglect or fail to provide suitable and adequate food, water, shelter, or care for the animals. Tanisha Kendall was additionally charged with causing unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to dogs, cats, rats, snakes, and rabbits.
On March 5, in Swift Current Provincial Court, a stay of proceedings was entered for Rhees Kendall. Tanisha Kendall pleaded guilty to one charge of causing or permitting dogs, cats, rats, snakes and rabbits to be in distress. Her other two charges were stayed. She was fined $1,000 and banned from owning or having custody or control of no more than 50 animals at a time, which will include any such animals owned or possessed by her spouse for 10 years under strict conditions.