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32 Cats Found Abandoned at BC SPCA
19 Dec
Summary
- 32 cats discovered abandoned in plastic containers outside B.C. SPCA.
- One cat was found deceased due to compromised breathing conditions.
- Investigation is ongoing, with security footage of the suspect.
An alarming discovery was made on December 4th when staff at the B.C. SPCA Sunshine Coast animal centre in Sechelt found 32 cats abandoned in plastic storage containers. The cats were discovered shortly after staff arrived for their shift, leading to initial panic as they realized the containers held animals. Tragically, one cat was found deceased inside a container, likely due to compromised breathing from the confined space. A necropsy is being performed to determine the exact cause of death.
The B.C. SPCA has identified a suspect through security camera footage and has opened an Animal Protection Services file. Officials emphasize that abandoning animals is a crime and hope this situation encourages individuals facing similar challenges to seek assistance from the SPCA rather than resorting to abandonment. While the cats were found in dire circumstances, most are reported to be in relatively healthy condition and are receiving care, including treatment for the parasite coccidia.
These 32 cats have been distributed between the B.C. SPCA locations in Sechelt and Surrey. Staff are working to acclimate the cats, ranging from kittens to adults, to people. Once spayed and neutered, the SPCA hopes to find them suitable homes quickly. This incident follows a similar event in November 2025, where 21 cats were surrendered to the B.C. SPCA in Kelowna by a family.
