In a statement released Monday, communications director Lori Chortick said the organization was responding to several hoardings in which “up to 100 cats” were rescued each time. “This time of year is always very busy with incoming animals and these large-scale imports create additional demands on our facilities and resources,” Chortyk said. According to the statement, “COVID, the rising cost of living and mental health challenges” have played an important role in the increased need for the SPCA to intervene. “We are certainly receiving more and more requests for help with real estate where hoarding situations are out of control or people are just overwhelmed by the number of animals they care for,” Chortyk said. One of 120 cats and three dogs seized by BC SPCA from a trailer at Fort St. James. Animals recover from physical ailments caused by being trapped in tight, dirty conditions. (BC SPCA) “Just this month, we got 120 cats from a property in northern BC and this kind of thing happens all over the province.” In that case, Animal Welfare Officers searched for a Fort St. trailer. James near Prince George after first finding 130 dead cats in three freezers in a trailer belonging to the same person at the nearby Vanderhoof, about 100 miles west of Prince George. The issue of too many animals in shelters is becoming widespread across the country, as many people hand over pets they adopted during the pandemic, but can no longer care for them as they return to work and school. City officials in Calgary, in collaboration with the Calgary Humane Society and the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS), issued a statement last week saying animal welfare organizations were “in crisis” and the shelters were full. AARCS chief executive Deanna Thompson said staff had seen a 200 percent increase in the number of people wanting to deliver their pets. In Ontario, the Kingston Humane Society reported in May that they had 62 dogs in their shelter and more than 100 in foster care. “Once we get people back to their pre-pandemic lifestyle, they could not or do not want to keep that commitment,” said Gord Hunter, chief executive officer. To help free up space, the BC SPCA announced Monday that it is offering a 50 percent discount on cat adoption fees in hopes of finding cat-loving homes that are currently under construction. Chortyk says she encourages anyone thinking of adopting a cat to take advantage of the promotion. “Not only will you provide a loving home for a worthy animal, but it will enable us to help more abused and neglected animals.”
