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CTV News
a day ago
- General
- CTV News
Malnourished German shepherd puppies surrendered to BC SPCA
Surrendered German shepherd mix puppies are seen in this image handed out by the BC SPCA. The BC SPCA is caring for a litter of severely underweight German shepherd mix puppies that were surrendered to the organization earlier this month – and they will be available for adoption soon. The owner, located in the Thompson-Nicola region, had been trying to re-home the accidental litter, the charity says. When animal control officers contacted the owner, they acknowledged they needed help and 'immediately' surrendered the puppies to the BC SPCA. Puppy One of the underweight puppies surrendered to the BC SPCA on June 10 is pictured. 'We appreciate that the owner of these puppies did the right thing and surrendered them, however, there is no denying that these animals were suffering,' said Eileen Drever of the BC SCPA in a Thursday news release. 'We strongly recommend that anyone having difficulty caring for their animals calls the BC SPCA Animal Helpline well before their animals' condition reaches this state to see what support is available to them. Not reaching out for support and allowing the animals to suffer could mean facing charges.' These seven-month-old puppies were all very underweight and dangerously dehydrated, requiring subcutaneous fluids and a monitored re-feeding plan. They also received treatment for parasites and poor dental health. 'These young dogs have been through a lot, but it doesn't show. They love people, love playing with each and in the pool in the centre's yard,' said Meranda Dussault, manager of the BC SPCA Shuswap location, in the release. She said a pup named Checkers, the smallest and weakest of the group, has stolen all the hearts of the BC SPCA staff. Checkers Checkers, one of the surrendered puppies, is pictured. 'She is super shy, but has started to stroll up to staff, tail wagging looking for a cuddle,' said Dussault. 'She is still tired and weak, but she is getting stronger every day.' The BC SPCA says the puppies will be up for adoption in two to four weeks.
CTV News
08-06-2025
- CTV News
Breeder's sentencing in ‘appalling' dog starvation case too lenient, B.C. SPCA says
The B.C. SPCA is caring for 15 dogs and puppies that were allegedly found starving at a breeder's property in Clearwater. (Handout) The B.C. SPCA is 'deeply disappointed' with the light sentence handed to a B.C. breeder who had 15 starving dogs seized from his property in a 'horrific' cruelty case, according to a statement from the organization. Kurtis Leo Gordon Elliot was found guilty of one count of owner neglect in a Kamloops law court last month. His sentence was a 10-year prohibition on owning, having control of or residing with an animal – with an exception for one adult cat and some goldfish – the B.C. SPCA said. 'In my 45 years with the organization, this stands out as one of the most appalling instances of dog starvation I have encountered,' said says Eileen Drever, senior officer protection and stakeholder relations with the B.C. SPCA, in a media release. 'These dogs endured immense suffering, all so their 'guardian' could profit from their misery, making the light sentence even more difficult to accept.' The circumstances of the seizure were outlined in a news release from the B.C. SPCA in 2023. Animal protection officers searched the Clearwater property and found severely emaciated Cane Corso dogs and puppies living in 'horrific' conditions. 'Some of the dogs were kept outside all day in sub-zero temperatures, with no shelter from the elements, no food and water bowls frozen over,' Drever said at the time. 'There was evidence that at least three of the dogs had eaten parts of a blanket from the floor, desperate for anything to eat to try to stay alive.' Rescued puppies The B.C. SPCA is caring for 15 dogs and puppies that were allegedly found starving at a breeder's property in Clearwater. (Handout) In its statement on Elliot's sentencing, Drever said a lifetime prohibition on owning animals would have been more appropriate in the circumstances. Further, she said an order to pay a fine or to reimburse the B.C. SPCA for the costs it incurred would have sent a stronger message. 'Dogs are sentient beings capable of experiencing fear, suffering and joy. They are not commodities to be exploited – they deserve compassion, dignity and respect,' Drever's statement concluded.
CTV News
06-06-2025
- 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
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
CBC
05-06-2025
- 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.
