Multiple cats in 'shocking condition' seized from 'irresponsible' B.C. breeder | Daily Hive

BC SPCA

Several cats and kittens in poor health were recently rescued from an “irresponsible breeder” on Vancouver Island by the BC Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA).

The animal welfare organization announced that eight Ragdoll kittens and adult cats were surrendered to an animal protection officer from a property in Nanaimo.

According to Eileen Drever, the BC SPCA’s senior officer for protection and stakeholder relations, the neglect case was brought to their attention by an individual who had purchased a kitten from a local breeder.

BC SPCA

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“Not only did this breeder deny the buyer entry into their home to see the breeding area, but the kitten they brought out smelled strongly of urine and had fleas crawling into their mouth and eyes,” said Drever in a release.

When the buyer brought the kitten to an animal clinic for a checkup, the vet identified several health concerns in the kitten, including a bloated abdomen, live fleas and excessive flea dirt, debris in the ears and discharge in one eye, hair loss around both eyes, scabs on the tip of the ears, and crusting on the tail.

“The kitten was in such poor health that the veterinarian opted to delay vaccinations until the kitten recovered,” added Drever. “The owner was sent home with four medications to treat the ailments.”

The BC SPCA was contacted by the buyer through the Animal Helpline, which prompted an animal protection officer to visit the breeder’s home. During the check, the officer noticed unhealthy conditions including a strong ammonia odour, full litter boxes and scattered cat feces on the floor. There was also no kitten food in sight for the remaining eight-week-old kittens.

BC SPCA

The cats were brought in for a vet exam upon their surrender by the breeder, and were found to be in similarly poor health.

“All the kittens had similar issues to what was reported to the BC SPCA’s Animal Helpline,” added Drever. “They were also hungry and malnourished. They were covered in live fleas with severe flea allergy dermatitis and skin infections. One of the adult females had two mammary cysts that will need to be removed when she is spayed.”

BC SPCA

While the cats arrived at the BC SPCA animal centre untrusting and fearful, they have since begun to allow staff to get close to them. Several are starting to let people pet them and feed them cat treats, and some are even starting to purr.

Drever said that the case has all the hallmarks of an irresponsible breeder and is reminding people that 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.

If you believe an animal is in distress, you can call the BC SPCA’s animal helpline at 1-855-622-7722.