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Last year, the Penticton SPCA announced that they were overwhelmed when a single owner handed 111 felines over to the branch. Previously, however, the same individual had surrendered 54 cats to the organization in 2016 and 2017.
Now, the South Okanagan/Similkameen and Kelowna Branches of the BC SPCA have announced that they are currently caring for more cats from the notorious hoarder.
According to a release, the owner surrendered an additional 30 cats over to the organization on Wednesday, January 30.
The SPCA South Okanagan/Similkameen Branch is currently caring for 18 of the surrendered cats and 12 have been transferred to the Kelowna Branch.
The cats are suffering from upper respiratory infections and other medical issues.
“Thirty cats were brought into our care, suffering from upper respiratory infections and other medical issues,” says Lorie Chortyk, general manager of communications for the BC SPCA.
“Unfortunately the cats came from the same individual who surrendered 111 cats to our care in October, 2018 and 53 more in 2016 and 2017, making a total of 194 cats. It’s extremely challenging dealing with hoarders because unless they get the help they need, the same issues arise again and again, and the animals suffer as a result.”
BC SPCA
In addition to providing treatment for medical issues, many of the cats will require behavioural therapy; a great deal of them are fearful and require rehabilitation before they can be put up for adoption.
“Most of the cats are six months or younger, so we’re hoping that they will respond well to the veterinary treatment and rehabilitation,” says Chortyk “Caring for large numbers of animals places an enormous strain on the resources on local branches so we would be so grateful for any support to help off-set these costs.”
If you can help, please visit online or drop your donation off at the South Okanagan/Similkameen Branch or the Kelowna Branch.
