The BC SPCA is in need of donations, after a mass seizure of 88 animals in Langley on Monday afternoon has led to an influx of pets at their shelter.
According to Lorie Chortyk, general manager of community relations at the BC SPCA, the volume of animals taken in at their Vancouver branch — which includes the 45 dogs and 18 cats seized in Langley — has required staff to work around the clock.
“We are so grateful to people for helping, because when these numbers of animals come in, they just go through supplies like crazy,” Chortyk told the Times.
“They’re pretty sick, these guys. The staff are working around the clock on the medical triage, so having people bring these supplies is just huge.”
Donations of blankets, cat and dog beds, toys, wet dog food, wet cat food, dog coats and soft treats can be dropped off outside the Vancouver shelter, located at 1205 East 7 Ave.
The soft treats, in particular, are needed as many of the seized animals have anxiety and behaviour issues, and the treats are helpful in training, Chortyk said.
Those who drop off donations should also be advised, they will not be allowed inside the shelter, as it is shut down until the seized animal’s test results have been received.
Staff need to ensure that none of the pets are carrying diseases that could be contagious to people or other animals.
“They (the animals) have a lot of issues and the shelter is actually under a ringworm quarantine,” Chortyk said
“The people handling them are all gowned up and they have the proper bio-security measures in place.”
Chortyk expects it will be a few weeks before the shelter can reopen to the public. In the meantime, those looking for regular pet adoption services can visit any of the SPCAs other eight locations in the Lower Mainland.
Monetary donations to the BC SPCA are also being accepted on their website.