Latest news with #EileenDrever
CTV News
6 hours ago
- Automotive
- CTV News
As temperatures rise, B.C. SPCA issues reminders about leaving pets in hot cars
A dog is seen in a car with the window rolled down slightly in this file image. With Environment and Climate Change Canada warning of hot weather on the way, the B.C. SPCA is reminding the public about the serious risks associated with leaving pets in vehicles. 'People underestimate how rapidly a vehicle can heat up to dangerous levels, putting animals at risk of fatal consequences,' said Eileen Drever, senior officer for protection and stakeholder relations with the B.C. SPCA, in a news release Friday. 'We also tend to miscalculate how long we'll be away from our cars. We think we're just running into the store for one item, but the lineups are long, we stop to chat with an acquaintance, and five minutes turns into half an hour or more while your pet suffers in the heat.' For dogs, even a few minutes in a hot car can be life-threatening, according to the B.C. SPCA. Because the animals can't sweat to cool themselves down, their body temperature rises more rapidly than a human's would. Senior dogs, those with flatter faces, and those with underlying health conditions tend to experience more challenges during hot weather, the B.C. SPCA said. Leaving the air-conditioning on or the windows down are not good options, Drever added. 'If the air conditioning fails, your pet could still be in danger,' she said. 'At the end of the day, it's best to simply leave your dog at home where there's more space, water and shade." Last year, the B.C. SPCA's Animal Helpline received 841 calls about pets left in hot cars, a total that works out to 2.3 calls per day, on average. In 2025, so far, the agency has already received 164 calls – or just over one a day. That number is expected to rise as the weather gets hotter, the B.C. SPCA said. In addition to reminding pet owners to leave their animals at home, the agency offered tips for what members of the public should do if they have concerns about an animal found sitting in a hot car. The B.C. SPCA advises taking note of the licence plate, vehicle colour, make and model, and bringing that information to nearby businesses to have the owner paged to return to their vehicle. If the animal is showing signs of distress – such as 'exaggerated panting or no panting at all, salivating, an anxious or staring expression, muscle tremors or lack of coordination, convulsions, vomiting (or) collapse' – the agency advises calling the local animal control agency, police or the B.C. SPCA Animal Helpline as soon as possible. The helpline can be reached at 855-622-7722. 'Don't ignore an animal in distress,' the agency's release reads. 'We understand life is busy, but at the very least, pass along the information to a nearby business or authority.' The B.C. SPCA also recommends against breaking the windows of the vehicle, confronting the owner or forcing the animal to consume water. 'Although most people's intentions are good when they say they would break a glass window to get an animal out of a dangerous hot car situation, it's strongly recommended you don't,' the release reads. 'Not only are you putting yourself at risk when you break a glass window, but you also risk harming the dog.' Only police officers and B.C. SPCA special provincial constables have the authority to break into a vehicle to help a pet in distress, the agency said.
Toronto Sun
a day ago
- 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
CBC
2 days ago
- Health
- CBC
B.C. SPCA seizes 34 Bengal cats from Vernon, B.C., breeder
The B.C. SPCA seized 34 Bengal cats from a breeder in Vernon, B.C., with the society saying the animals were in distress and some had diarrhea. Eileen Drever, the B.C. SPCA's senior officer of stakeholder relations, said its animal protection officers executed a search warrant on May 28 after being alerted to the Bengal cats by a member of the public who called their helpline. Drever said the officers encountered a high level of ammonia gas at the property, and the cats had been kept in dirty cages and their litter boxes were overflowing. "The ammonia-type levels were so high it was actually ... affecting the staff attending the property, so I can't imagine how the cats tolerated that," she said. "The cats were underweight, and as a result we removed them from the property and the cats are receiving medical care as we speak." Drever said the cats had access to a "catio" for recreation, but most of them were kept in cages and lacked stimulation. The society said it's unknown when the Bengal cats will be available for adoption. Drever said prospective owners should do their homework on how to care for a Bengal cat. "Bengal cats, really, they're inquisitive," she said. "They've got lots of energy, and when we find homes for these cats, it has to be a specialized home." Drever said the Bengal cats are wild-hybrid domestic cats, a mix of Asian leopards and domestic cats. The SPCA said it is opposed to the breeding of wild animals with domestic animals. "The importation, breeding, and keeping of exotic animals — such as Asian leopard cats and servals, which are used to create hybrid cats — should be prohibited under the provincial Controlled Alien Species Regulation of the Wildlife Act," reads an SPCA statement.
CTV News
2 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
34 Bengal cats seized in B.C. after ‘exceptionally high' ammonia levels found
The animals were seized from a property in Vernon on May 28 after a veterinarian determined the animals were in distress due to their dwelling conditions, the B.C. SPCA said in a news release Wednesday. (Handout) Animal protection officers say 34 Bengal cats were seized from a breeder in British Columbia after an investigation found 'exceptionally high levels' of ammonia in the rooms where the exotic cats were housed. The animals were seized from a property in Vernon on May 28 after a veterinarian determined the animals were in distress due to their dwelling conditions, the B.C. SPCA said in a news release Wednesday. The agency says it was alerted to the situation by a would-be cat buyer who visited the property and was alarmed by the conditions the cats were kept in. 'They contacted the animal helpline and an investigation was initiated,' B.C. SPCA spokesperson Eileen Drever said in the release. 'This is yet another situation where someone is breeding animals in conditions that do not support their physical or mental well-being.' The officers who visited the breeder reported 'an overwhelming smell of ammonia in the rooms where these cats were housed,' the spokesperson added, describing the smell as 'so intense their own noses were stinging.' A test for airborne ammonia registered the gas at the highest possible level due to poor hygiene and ventilation, according to the agency. 'These concentrations can lead to severe respiratory irritation and, in extreme cases, even ulceration of the eyes,' Drever said of the dangers of ammonia exposure. The B.C. SPCA says the cats were being kept in cramped conditions in dirty cages with overflowing litter boxes. 'Bengal cats are typically larger than domestic cats,' said Drever. 'Some of these cats spent most of their time in cages.' The seized cats were taken to the B.C. SPCA's centre in Kelowna, where manager Shannon Paille said most of the cats were 'fearful' but 'very brave' during their intake examinations. 'Only some of them were growly,' Paille said in the release. 'Bengals can be quite vocal.' Nearly all of the surrendered Bengals were underweight and some were suffering from diarrhea, the shelter manager said. '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,' she said, adding that all of the cats will need spay or neuter surgeries. The B.C. SPCA says Bengal cats are very intelligent and energetic, and may require more stimulation and attention than other feline breeds. Bengals are a hybrid of wild Asian leopard cats and domestic breeds, and require highly specialized care. 'The B.C. SPCA opposes the breeding of wild animals with domestic animals, as well as the breeding of wild animals in captivity as exotic pets,' the agency said. 'The importation, breeding, and keeping of exotic animals – such as Asian leopard cats and Servals, which are used to create hybrid cats – should be prohibited under the provincial Controlled Alien Species Regulation of the Wildlife Act.' It is not yet known whether the seized Bengal cats will be available for adoption, according to the B.C. SPCA.
Vancouver Sun
2 days ago
- General
- Vancouver Sun
34 distressed Bengal cats seized from Vernon property 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. 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 . Discover the best of B.C.'s recipes, restaurants and wine. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of West Coast Table will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Drever said it was 'another situation where someone is breeding animals in conditions that do not support their physical or mental well-being. '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.' 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. '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.' 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. Bengals are a mix of wild Asian leopard cats and domestic breeds and need specialized care. The B.C. SPCA says it is 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 which are bred to create hybrid cats — should be prohibited under the controlled alien species regulation of B.C.'s Wildlife Act . The Bengal cats are not 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@
