Kelowna

The BC Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is seeking the public’s help to provide care for nearly 300 animals rescued from the wildfires burning in West Kelowna. The fires have forced more than 11,000 residents from their homes.

“Our special provincial constables have been working around the clock to rescue horses, livestock and domestic pets from behind the evacuation lines,” said Bob Busch, general manager of operations for the BC SPCA. “So far we’ve evacuated 247 animals from the field and are caring for another 42 pets who were dropped off by their guardians at the Kelowna shelter for temporary boarding.”

Busch says Kelowna shelter staff have been placing horses and livestock in local facilities such as the Kelowna Riding Club and foster farms until their owners can return to their homes and properties.

Dr. Jim Inglis, manager of the BC SPCA’s Kelowna Branch, says the shelter is placing evacuated pets with existing SPCA foster families but is in urgent need of large pet carriers, litter trays, towels and cash donations to help with the influx of animals in temporary care. “We are also in need of hay for the horses we are boarding.”

Dr. Inglis says the SPCA is grateful to Canadian Tire, which allowed BC SPCA special constables to help themselves to any supplies they needed to carry out the evacuations. “This is an amazing community that really comes together in a crisis, as we learned during the forest fires in 2003,” he said. “We are proud to be part of this rescue effort and we deeply appreciate the support we receive from individuals and local businesses.”

The BC SPCA is a non-profit organization which provides services for animals in need through public donations. If you can help with the Kelowna fire rescue efforts, please visit spca.bc.ca (please note that your gift is for the Kelowna fires) or call 1-800-665-1868 to make a donation.