Nanaimo, BC – The BC SPCA in Nanaimo recently took custody of eight cats from a local breeder, all suffering from severe flea infestations and other health issues, according to a press release from the animal welfare organization. The surrender occurred after the SPCA initiated an investigation following a concerning report from an individual who purchased a kitten from the breeder.
The buyer contacted the BC SPCA’s Animal Helpline after acquiring a kitten that smelled strongly of urine and had fleas crawling into its mouth and eye. Eileen Drever, senior officer of protection for the BC SPCA, detailed the disturbing condition of the purchased kitten, which a veterinarian found to have a bloated abdomen, a heavy flea infestation with significant flea dirt, debris and discharge in its ears and eyes, hair loss around its eyes, and scabs on its ears and tail. Due to the kitten’s poor health, vaccinations had to be delayed.
Upon receiving this information, an SPCA animal protection officer visited the breeder’s property and noted a strong ammonia odor, overflowing litter boxes, and scattered cat feces on the floor. There was also no visible kitten food available for the remaining eight-week-old kittens.
As a result of the investigation, the breeder surrendered a total of eight cats on April 10th: four eight-week-old kittens and four adult cats. All the animals were found to be suffering from flea infestations. The adult cats also presented with severe flea allergy dermatitis and skin infections. One of the adult female cats had mammary cysts requiring future removal.
Adding to their health woes, all eight cats have tested positive for ringworm and are currently in quarantine at the Nanaimo SPCA facility. They will require approximately two months of treatment and recovery before they will be available for adoption.
Drever emphasized the importance of vigilance when purchasing animals from breeders. “If a breeder will not let you into their home to see how the animals are living, then you should not purchase an animal from them,” she stated. “Based on the condition of the original kitten, it was clear that the animals in this home were not receiving the care they desperately needed.”
The BC SPCA is urging anyone who suspects an animal is in distress to contact their Animal Helpline at 1-855-622-7722. The investigation into this particular case is ongoing, and the SPCA will determine whether to recommend animal cruelty charges to Crown counsel based on the evidence gathered.
The surrendered cats are now receiving the necessary medical care and attention at the Nanaimo SPCA. Once they have recovered from their ailments, they will be looking for loving forever homes. The BC SPCA relies on public donations to support the care of animals rescued from neglect and abuse.
