BC SPCA inundated with cats, kittens; more than 100 surrendered by one owner
Posted October 5, 2018 9:34 am.
Last Updated October 5, 2018 9:40 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
PENTICTON (NEWS 1130) – Staff with the BC SPCA have been overwhelmed and the organization’s resources are stretched after more than 100 animals were surrendered to the Penticton branch.
“The BC SPCA absolutely inundated with cats and kittens, right now. We ended up getting 111 cats and kittens surrendered from one particular owner in the South Okanagan,” said Marcie Moriarty with the BC SPCA.
“This individual continued to accumulate cats, would be vague about the numbers, and would surrender — but not take proactive steps or accept help, in the sense of spaying and neutering.”
Staff had no idea just how many people were coming into their care, and cases like this one are difficult for everyone involved.
“If you can just picture one trailer and 111 cats, I don’t need to paint that picture. The staff had to go and remove the cats — that’s horrific,” said Moriarty.
A cat taken into care at the BC SPCA’s Penticton branch. (Courtesy BC SPCA)
Earlier this week, 29 cats were taken into care from an owner in Salmon Arm.
She said animal hoarding is a major problem in B.C. “These cases are tragic for the animals and the people involved.”
Branches across B.C. are at capacity for cats, and there are waiting lists for animals to get into those shelters. There’s a massive strain on resources and the organization said it is badly in need of donations to help pay for the extra medical and shelter costs.
“If anybody is considering bringing on a cat or kitten into their family… we are looking for people who were considering adoption to come out and find a great cat companion,” said Moriarty.
You can head to the BC SPCA website to see adoptable animals.
– With files from Dean Recksiedler
