Latest news with #B.C.SPCA
Toronto Sun
05-06-2025
- Toronto Sun
34 Bengal cats seized from B.C. property by SPCA
The wild-hybrid domestic cats were assessed by a veterinarian who determined all of them 'met the definition of being in distress' These Bengal cats were seized in late May 2025 from a Vernon property where the wild hybrid domestic felines were being kept in a state of distress, says the B.C. SPCA. Photo by B.C. SPCA Animal protection officers have seized 34 Bengal cats from a property in Vernon after an investigation into an 'irresponsible breeder,' says the B.C. SPCA. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The wild-hybrid domestic cats were assessed in late May by a veterinarian who determined all of them 'met the definition of being in distress,' said Eileen Drever, senior protection officer for the animal welfare agency. 'We were alerted to this situation by someone who visited the property,' said Drever. 'They were considering buying a cat from the breeder and were concerned about the conditions the cats were living in' and called the animal help line. Drever said it was 'another situation where someone is breeding animals in conditions that do not support their physical or mental well-being.' These Bengal cats were seized in late May 2025 from a Vernon property where the wild hybrid domestic felines were being kept in a state of distress, says the B.C. SPCA. Photo by B.C. SPCA 'The officers who visited the property reported an overwhelming smell of ammonia in the rooms where these cats were housed, so intense their own noses were stinging. An ammonia gas test registered at the highest level, further proving that the ventilation and cleaning were insufficient.' Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Ammonia exposure is dangerous for animals and the 'exceptionally high levels' on the property posed serious health risks. 'These concentrations can lead to severe respiratory irritation and, in extreme cases, even ulceration of the eyes.' The cats were kept in dirty cages with overflowing litter boxes, and some were crammed into cages together. 'Bengal cats are typically larger than domestic cats,' said Drever, and though they had access to an outdoor space, some spent most of their time in cages. Bengals are also intelligent and energetic, so many need more stimulation and enrichment than other feline breeds. These Bengal cats were seized in late May 2025 from a Vernon property where the wild hybrid domestic felines were being kept in a state of distress, says the B.C. SPCA. Photo by B.C. SPCA 'Most of the cats are fearful, but they were very brave during their intake exams,' said Shannon Paille, manager of the SPCA's Kelowna animal centre. 'We were able to get all the treatments done with light towel wraps and only some of them were growly. Bengals can be quite vocal.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Paille said the vet found that almost all the cats were underweight and some had diarrhea: 'We have already been giving the cats regular treatments for skin issues but, because of some suspicious hair loss, they are also being tested for ringworm.' All the cats will need spay or neuter surgeries as well. These Bengal cats were seized in late May 2025 from a Vernon property where the wild hybrid domestic felines were being kept in a state of distress, says the B.C. SPCA. Photo by B.C. SPCA Bengals are a mix of wild Asian leopard cats and domestic breeds and need specialized care. The B.C. SPCA says it's opposed to the breeding of wild animals with domestics and the breeding of wild animals as exotic pets. The animal welfare agency also argues that importing, breeding and keeping exotic animals — such as Asian leopard cats and servals that are bred to create hybrid cats — should be prohibited under the controlled alien species regulation of B.C.'s Wildlife Act. The Bengal cats aren't yet available for adoption but the B.C. SPCA is encouraging anyone who can help with the cost of their care, or that of other animals in distress, to visit the donation page at jruttle@ Read More Columnists NHL Columnists Columnists Toronto & GTA
The Province
04-06-2025
- The Province
34 distressed Bengal cats seized from Vernon property by B.C. SPCA
The wild-hybrid domestic cats were assessed by a veterinarian who determined all of them 'met the definition of being in distress' These Bengal cats were seized in late May 2025 from a Vernon property where the wild hybrid domestic felines were being kept in a state of distress, says the B.C. SPCA. Photo by B.C. SPCA Animal protection officers have seized 34 Bengal cats from a property in Vernon after an investigation into an 'irresponsible breeder,' says the B.C. SPCA. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors The wild-hybrid domestic cats were assessed in late May by a veterinarian who determined all of them 'met the definition of being in distress,' said Eileen Drever, senior protection officer for the animal welfare agency. 'We were alerted to this situation by someone who visited the property,' said Drever. 'They were considering buying a cat from the breeder and were concerned about the conditions the cats were living in' and called the animal help line. Drever said it was 'another situation where someone is breeding animals in conditions that do not support their physical or mental well-being.' These Bengal cats were seized in late May 2025 from a Vernon property where the wild hybrid domestic felines were being kept in a state of distress, says the B.C. SPCA. Photo by B.C. SPCA 'The officers who visited the property reported an overwhelming smell of ammonia in the rooms where these cats were housed, so intense their own noses were stinging. An ammonia gas test registered at the highest level, further proving that the ventilation and cleaning were insufficient.' Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Ammonia exposure is dangerous for animals and the 'exceptionally high levels' on the property posed serious health risks. 'These concentrations can lead to severe respiratory irritation and, in extreme cases, even ulceration of the eyes.' The cats were kept in dirty cages with overflowing litter boxes, and some were crammed into cages together. 'Bengal cats are typically larger than domestic cats,' said Drever, and though they had access to an outdoor space, some spent most of their time in cages. Bengals are also intelligent and energetic, so many need more stimulation and enrichment than other feline breeds. These Bengal cats were seized in late May 2025 from a Vernon property where the wild hybrid domestic felines were being kept in a state of distress, says the B.C. SPCA. Photo by B.C. SPCA 'Most of the cats are fearful, but they were very brave during their intake exams,' said Shannon Paille, manager of the SPCA's Kelowna animal centre. 'We were able to get all the treatments done with light towel wraps and only some of them were growly. Bengals can be quite vocal.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Paille said the vet found that almost all the cats were underweight and some had diarrhea: 'We have already been giving the cats regular treatments for skin issues but, because of some suspicious hair loss, they are also being tested for ringworm.' All the cats will need spay or neuter surgeries as well. These Bengal cats were seized in late May 2025 from a Vernon property where the wild hybrid domestic felines were being kept in a state of distress, says the B.C. SPCA. Photo by B.C. SPCA Bengals are a mix of wild Asian leopard cats and domestic breeds and need specialized care. The B.C. SPCA says it's opposed to the breeding of wild animals with domestics and the breeding of wild animals as exotic pets. The animal welfare agency also argues that importing, breeding and keeping exotic animals — such as Asian leopard cats and servals that are bred to create hybrid cats — should be prohibited under the controlled alien species regulation of B.C.'s Wildlife Act. The Bengal cats aren't yet available for adoption but the B.C. SPCA is encouraging anyone who can help with the cost of their care, or that of other animals in distress, to visit the donation page at jruttle@ Read More
The Province
07-05-2025
- General
- The Province
B.C. SPCA takes in 83 Persian-mix cats after owner dies
63 of the cats were taken to the Surrey animal centre and 20 went to Kamloops for care, grooming and medical treatments The B.C. SPCA has taken in 83 Persian cats and kittens after their owner died. Many have severe matting, are in need of spay or neuter surgery, and are all being treated for roundworm and giardia. 63 of the cats are in the Surrey animal centre and 20 went to Kamloops. Photo by B.C. SPCA Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Over 80 Persian-mix cats are in the care of B.C. SPCA animal centres in Surrey and Kamloops after the family of their late owner reached out for help. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors The SPCA first became involved in January when the cats' owner surrendered a dozen cats. Next of kin then contacted the animal welfare agency in early May about the remaining 83 felines after the owner died. Sixty-three of the cats were taken to the B.C. SPCA Surrey animal centre through the Drive for Lives program, while the other 20 were taken to Kamloops. The Surrey centre and its Good Shepherd Barn are acting as a triage facility, as they do for other large cat intakes from around B.C. Some of the extremely matted cats got an emergency shave. Photo by B.C. SPCA 'Intaking and providing care for 83 cats requires a significant investment of resources,' said Layla Gilhooly, manager of the centre and barn. 'Especially given their condition, with at least half of them still needing a spay or neuter surgery, various medical treatments, and most requiring significant grooming.' The cats were scared at first, hiding under towels and in their kennels, but that's common, said Gilhooly. 'Despite their nervousness, many of the cats were quite friendly during intake — purring, making air biscuits and leaning in for pets.' Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. But a lot of them were in dire need of care. Many were extremely matted, which requires shaves for relief. 'Severe matting is very uncomfortable, often even painful, and can cause skin irritation as the mats trap bacteria and dead skin cells,' Gilhooly said. 'Some of the cats also had feces matted into their fur.' Most of the kittens and cats taken in needed some kind of care, such as this one with eye discharge. Photo by B.C. SPCA All the cats are being treated for giardia and roundworm, which involves a five-day course of medication followed by a bath to remove any eggs still in the fur. The lingering eggs can cause reinfection when a cat grooms itself. 'Some of the cats also have varying degrees of upper respiratory infection,' said Gilhooly, ranging from severe congestion to mild cases of eye and nasal discharge. Those with problems are on antibiotics and will go to a vet if symptoms don't improve. Gilhooly said most are underweight and a few need dental care for things like broken canine teeth and gingivitis. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. After triage, 27 of the Surrey cats were moved to other centres to await adoption, while 36 remain there. When they're available for adoption depends on how they're doing. Some need further socialization before they're ready, while others will be available as early as Wednesday, or will be added to the B.C. SPCA adoption page in the coming days and weeks. Anyone who can help the SPCA with care for these cats and other animals and pets is asked to visit One of the cats in a temporary kennel. Photo by B.C. SPCA The Drive for Lives program of the B.C. SPCA provides transport for pets to areas where they are most likely to be adopted. Photo by B.C. SPCA One of the kittens surrendered to the B.C. SPCA centres in Surrey and Kamloops. Photo by B.C. SPCA jruttle@ Read More Vancouver Canucks Health Vancouver Canucks Crime Junior Hockey
CTV News
24-04-2025
- General
- CTV News
Ragdoll cats, kittens surrendered to B.C. SPCA by ‘irresponsible' breeder
This photo provided by the B.C. SPCA shows two Ragdoll kittens surrendered to the charity.
CBC
20-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- CBC
Think twice before gifting a bunny this Easter, animal advocates urge
While some kids will enjoy searching for treats from the Easter Bunny on Sunday morning, others may be receiving actual live rabbits as a holiday surprise. And while not all animal welfare advocates are totally against giving pets as gifts, they are wary of bunny buyers who don't realize the commitment they are taking on and may release their rabbit into the wild in the coming months — a pattern that has resulted in invasive populations in several parts of B.C. Kahlee Demers, the B.C. SPCA's manager of companion animal welfare and policy, said animals aren't always a bad gift idea, but they are never good as a surprise. "It is a big responsibility," she said, noting there's a lot to learn about rabbit care. Instead, she said, opt for the chocolate option this Easter. "I encourage parents and guardians to stick to the chocolate bunnies, the chocolate Easter eggs and the candy chicks, which I think are a great Easter alternative. Who doesn't like sugar?" WATCH | Bunnies don't always make the best Easter gifts: Advocates in B.C. advise against getting a bunny for Easter 1 year ago Duration 1:47 Rabbits may seem like low-maintenance pets, but Demers said they require time out of their cages every day, lots of mental stimulation, and room to move around. "Rabbits are really smart, they're social and they like games," she said. As for food, they need more than just carrots, Demers said; fresh leafy greens like kale and lettuce, as well as hay, high-fibre rabbit pellets and lots of water, are all part of a healthy rabbit diet. According to the B.C. SPCA, rabbits can live up to 15 years — something Demers said people don't often realize. Animal rights lawyer Victoria Shroff suggested anyone considering adopting a rabbit start by fostering one first, to see if they are able to properly care for a pet bunny. "Make sure you do your homework," Shroff said. "Rabbits are not just a pet for Easter." Releasing pets into the wild Huge invasive rabbit populations have taken over several areas in B.C., including Vancouver's Jericho Park and Rathtrevor Beach on Vancouver Island, after people started releasing their unwanted pets into the wild. Though they likely had good intentions — hoping the bunnies would live out their lives in the fresh air with lots of grass to nibble on — pet rabbits cause major problems for natural ecosystems, according to Invasive Species Council of B.C. executive director Gail Wallin. They carry disease, damage the environment and compete with native species, among other things. They also reproduce quickly and several times a year, with multiple babies in each litter — meaning one rabbit released in June could be responsible for a dozen more in mere months. If that's not enough to deter people from releasing pets into the wild, it's actually illegal to do so, Shroff said. The Invasive Species Council of B.C., along with other similar organizations in other provinces, have launched a campaign called Don't Let It Loose, asking pet owners not to release any domesticated pets into the wild. Instead, Demers said rabbit owners should do everything they can do rehome unwanted pet rabbits. "There are a lot of great owners out there who are willing to take on rabbits," she said. "When in doubt, you can reach out to your local B.C. SPCA and see what resources they have — we do have food banks, so if it's a food necessity that you need, we can help. But you can always chat with your local animal shelter or rescue to see what your surrender options are."
