The BC SPCA says it has seized 71 cats and kittens that were being hoarded in two Squamish motorhomes.
The animals were taken from a rural property and have been relocated to a BC SPCA facility for assessment and care.
According to District staff, a member of the public notified District Squamish Animal Control and Bylaw Enforcement that a large number of cats and kittens were being kept in an RV. As animal cruelty falls under the authority of the BC SPCA, the District contacted its cruelty department to request that a Special Provincial Constable investigate.
On Sept. 28, District Animal Control and Bylaw Enforcement staff supported the BC SPCA and Squamish RCMP to rescue the animals, according to the District's Rachel Boguski.
"The investigation involved a hoarding situation where the cats and kittens were being kept in unsanitary conditions with high levels of ammonia from urine, lack of proper ventilation and feces piled up in their living space," said Eileen Drever, BC SPCA senior officer of protection and stakeholder relations, in a news release.
She says cats were found under furniture in the trailers, in cupboards, under the driver and passenger seats and under the dashboard. Newborn kittens were found huddled on flooring by the passenger seat.Seven kittens have been born since the animals were seized and several other female cats are suspected to be pregnant, Drever said
"We are currently also providing treatment for giardia and upper respiratory infection," she said.She notes that most of the cats are friendly and accepting of human attention.
“A few of them are fearful, but they are coming around,” she says.
The animals are not currently available for adoption.
(Please check spca.bc.ca/adopt for updates.)
**Please note, this story was updated after it was first posted to reflect that District of Squamish staff were also involved in the seizure.
