Don’t buy animals from breeders in parking lots, BC SPCA warns amid investigation
A couple of cat breeders based in Surrey, B.C., are being investigated over allegations that they’re selling sick animals.
The BC SPCA issued a warning to the public on Tuesday after receiving 11 complaints from people who bought animals from the man and woman in the last year—prompting a probe by the organization.
In many cases, the animals began showing signs of illness within days of purchase, and some of the kittens died, according one senior BC SPCA officer.
Eileen Drever says there’s concern the individuals will continue selling sick animals amid the ongoing investigation.
“What we want to do is just alert the public and warn them not to purchase cats or kittens from the back of a vehicle in a parking lot,” she told CTV News, adding that no reputable breeder would sell animals this way.
Drever says the pair is selling kittens and cats of different breeds—including domestic short hair, Russian Blue and Maine Coons—for prices ranging from $250 to $1,200. The BC SPCA believes the individuals may have multiple accounts on Kijiji and Craigslist.
“During COVID, many people got into backyard breeding—all to make money,” said Drever. “Nobody is being held accountable for that, so unfortunately animals are being exploited once again and they’re suffering as a result.”
She says the BC SPCA plans to recommend charges which carry a maximum penalty of a $75,000 fine, up to two years in prison and a lifetime prohibition from owning animals.
Drever is urging people who may be looking to bring a new animal into their home to go through a reputable breeder, or explore adoption options through the SPCA or other rescue groups.
“It’s all too easy when you see a kitten or puppy to fall in love with them,” she told CTV News.
If you follow your heart down the path of so-called backyard breeders, however, Drever says you’re contributing to the problem.
“You’re continuing to line these individuals pockets. You’re continuing to keep them in business.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Slovakia's populist prime minister shot in assassination attempt, shocking Europe before elections
The Slovak defence minister says doctors are fighting for the life of the country's prime minister, who was shot multiple times after a political event Wednesday afternoon.
Transport Canada's UFO 'lead' planned to meet with U.S. intel officials, called info requests a 'wild goose chase'
Canada's transportation department had a UFO 'lead' who tried to 'quell' media interest and planned to meet with U.S. intelligence officials.
'Very expensive lunch': Sask. driver handed a cell phone ticket for using points app in McDonald's drive-thru
A warning from a Saskatoon driver about using your fast-food app while in the drive-thru line — a trip to get some free lunch cost him a lot more than he bargained for.
'The Fly' has become notorious in France after a brazen escape. What's his criminal history?
A prisoner nicknamed “The Fly” has become notorious in France overnight after a daring and bloody escape from a prison convoy in Normandy that left two guards dead.
BREAKING Ontario's 'crypto king' Aiden Pleterski arrested
Aiden Pleterski, the self-proclaimed 'crypto king' from Whitby, Ont., has been arrested in Durham Region after allegedly running a Ponzi scheme worth more than $40 million.
BREAKING Barge hits a bridge in Texas, damaging the structure and causing an oil spill
A barge slammed into a bridge pillar in Galveston, Texas, on Wednesday, spilling oil into surrounding waters and closing the only road to a smaller and separate island that is home to a university, officials said. There were no immediate reports of injuries.
Person responsible for 1996 drugging of 'Titanic' crew likely not a local: Halifax police
Halifax Regional Police believe a non-resident could be responsible for the infamous drugging of numerous crew members of the 'Titanic' movie with a hallucinogenic in 1996.
Latest updates on the biggest wildfires burning in Canada
Thousands of people in Western Canada remain displaced from their homes as wildfires threaten their communities, triggering evacuation orders and alerts.
OPINION If you think you can’t focus for long, you’re right: Sandee LaMotte
Regaining your focus requires you to be mindful of how you are using technology -- a daunting task if you consider the average American spends at least 10 hours a day on screens.