The BC SPCA says more than a dozen felines, all needing urgent care, are now in animal centres on Vancouver Island after being surrendered from a property on the Sunshine Coast.
On Thursday, senior protection officer Eileen Drever said the society was caring for 29 cats, including eight kittens, from Powell River, where there were “concerns about the number of cats on the property.”
The SPCA says 15 surrendered cats stayed local, while 14 were transferred to the Island. One kitten, “Pinky,” was immediately taken to a veterinary clinic.
“Four were transferred to Comox, five to Parksville and another five to Nanaimo,” said Tara Daniels, the SPCA’s Powell River animal centre manager.
Many cats appeared underweight and had “obvious eye issues,” she said.
“They are currently receiving veterinary care for their health issues, including upper respiratory infections, eye and dental problems along with some congenital conditions.”
Daniels says it was a team effort and that 16 cats had to be transferred from the SPCA’s Powell River centre to its Sunshine Coast centre to make room for the surrendered ones.
“It’s not uncommon for teams from multiple centres to work together when we have a large intake of animals,” she said. “Our priority is to ensure every animal is provided the best care for their needs.”
But it wasn’t an easy trek to the Island, according to the SPCA, which says a cancelled ferry stalled plans to transport the cats.
“The cats being transferred to Vancouver Island centres were taken back to the Powell River animal centre, while the BC SPCA Drive for Lives truck returned to the ferry terminal to wait in line. Shortly before the sailing, the cats were returned to the transport vehicle to board the vessel,” it said.
“When they arrived on Vancouver Island, the cats were transported to their final locations by two animal protection service team members.”
Drever says the owners “did the right thing” when asking for assistance and surrendering the cats.
“We were happy to help,” she added.
The SPCA says the cats are not currently available for adoption, but once they are healthy, they will be added to its adoption website.
Ethan Morneau
