BC SPCA rescues dog and 14 cats from Vancouver Island property

The BC SPCA has rescued one dog and over a dozen cats from a property on Vancouver Island following an investigation into their care. 

On October 2nd, the organization’s Animal Protection Services team responded to a complaint about a large number of cats and a severely matted dog at the property’s undisclosed location. 

Following an investigation and conversations with the owner, one Havanese dog and 14 cats were surrendered to the BC SPCA’s care. 

According to the BC SPCA, upon arrival, animal protection officers found the dog, Betty, tethered outside without adequate food or water. 

The dog’s small wooden doghouse was filled with debris and had two missing sides, offering little protection from the elements. 

The organization noted that Betty’s coat was heavily matted, causing her pain and restricting her movement. 

Furthermore, inside the house were 14 cats and kittens, many of which were underweight with missing fur and distended bellies. 

“The owner was clearly overwhelmed and needed our help,” said Kaley Pugh, regional manager, animal protection services at the BC SPCA. 

“The house was in poor condition; the floors were covered in filth and feces, and a strong smell of ammonia from urine filled the air.” 

Once in the BC SPCA’s care, a medical assessment was conducted on all 15 of the rescued animals, revealing all animals had complex needs. 

All the rescued animals tested positive for ringworm, which is a highly contagious infection that can cause hair loss, lesions and inflammation. 

The cats also tested positive and have been treated for roundworm, tapeworm, coccidia and lungworm.

“To protect our other animals, this group needed to be isolated, and staff and volunteers need to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when working with them,” said Leon Davis, regional manager, Islands and Sunshine Coast region. 

“Treating conditions like ringworm takes time and patience, with frequent medication and regular baths. In total, this group will need more than a month of dedicated care to recover from their various ailments before we can even start looking for adoptive homes for them.”

The organization says that the dog, Betty, has now received an extensive grooming session to remove her painful mats. 

Since the heavy weight has been removed, her demeanor has changed from being reserved and anxious to becoming a loving, gentle and excited dog. 

With daily socialization, the BC SPCA says the 14 cats are also beginning to thrive under their care. 

All animals are currently in quarantine, where they will remain until fully healed and cleared by the veterinarian.

Once cleared, they will be listed for adoption through the BC SPCA’s website. 

Due to the amount of care these 15 animals needed, the BC SPCA is now asking for donations to help offset the cost of their treatment. 

The organization says it does not receive government funding for animal care, and caring for animals like Betty and her feline friends is only possible through donations from the community.

Two regular donors, Sharmini and Anil Wirasekara, have offered to match all donations up to $20,000 to help the BC SPCA pay for the 15 animals’ care. 

The amount it will cost to rehabilitate the animals was not disclosed. 

Those wanting to help these animals can do so through the organization’s online donation portal.