120 neglected cats, 3 dogs seized from trailer in northern B.C.
A B.C. SPCA officer was called to a trailer in Fort St. James and discovered 120 cats and three small dogs living in absolute squalor.
Many of the animals in the filthy and unsafe conditions in the home were starved and had respiratory infections, along with extreme flea infestations, urine scald, eye infections, dental problems, ear mites and wounds, according to a B.C. SPCA media release.
“The entryway and hallway to the bedrooms were covered in layers of feces and the entire trailer was very hot and filled with an overwhelming ammonia smell due to the build-up of urine,” SPCA senior officer for protection Eileen Drever said in the release.
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“The feces and urine were so thick that boot covers were pulled off within a couple of steps due to the stickiness.”
When the officer arrived, most of the cats were hiding in kitchen cupboards, under the fridge and under the furniture, of which there wasn’t much.
There was no water out for the animals and the little bit of dry cat food scattered on the floor was contaminated with urine and feces.
“Many of the cats appeared very hungry and came up to our officer upon initial entry and immediately began eating the food that was offered,” Drever said.
A lot of the cats were having a tough time breathing.
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Three Chihuahuas were also seized and are receiving treatment for dental disease, hair loss and grooming problems.
SPCA investigators also found 130 dead cats in freezers behind a trailer where the same people had lived in Vanderhoof.
“Any time we are dealing with situations of animal hoarding it is devastating for both the animals and the people,” Drever said.
No word yet from the SPCA on when the animals will be ready for adoption.
The B.C. SPCA is hoping to raise enough money to cover the bills for the emergency veterinarian care. You can make a donation here.
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