Press Release

June 26, 2009
Halifax, NS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SPCA Investigators Rescue 16 More Animals from Neglect

Close on the heels of a seizure of 89 animals from Guysborough County on Wednesday, SPCA investigators today seized 13 kittens and 3 cats from a property in Kings County. The cats were living with an individual in the community of Grand Pré, and investigators found them infested with fleas and worms.

The cats are currently being assessed by a veterinarian; those that are healthy or have treatable conditions will be taken to the new Kings County SPCA shelter in Kentville, where they will soon be available for adoption. The Nova Scotia SPCA wishes to extend their appreciation to the Kings County SPCA for their prompt response to the seizure, which involved moving up the opening date for the shelter and quickly getting new staff prepared to handle the influx of animals. "With the Metro Shelter operating at maximum capacity following Wednesday's seizure, the role of the Kings County SPCA in providing care and sheltering for these animals was critical to the success of this case, " says Nova Scotia SPCA President Sean Kelly.

This second seizure brings the total animals rescued by the SPCA this week to 105. The animals from the first seizure of 89 animals from two properties in Port Felix, NS, were the victims of what investigators describe as animal hoarding. The SPCA investigators who conducted the seizure had to wear gas masks to enter the house due to high levels of ammonia and inside found animals living amid feces covered floors. The 25 dogs that were seized showed signs of medical issues as well as lack of socialization, which may present challenges for their rehabilitation. Of the 64 cats, many had visible and sometimes grotesque signs of neglect through lack of veterinary attention, including open sores, deformities, rotting teeth, and missing ears and eyes. Twenty-four of the cats in the most serious condition were euthanized following assessment by a veterinarian.

The remaining cats, as well as the dogs, are being cared for at the Metro Shelter in Dartmouth, where they will be available for adoption once deemed healthy and socialized. The Metro Shelter services a provincial animal care facility for animals seized or surrendered during cruelty investigations, and falls under the direct auspices of the provincial Nova Scotia SPCA. SPCA branches such as the Kings County SPCA assist when possible with seizures in their jurisdiction.

The Nova Scotia SPCA provincial office employs three full-time cruelty investigators who conduct investigations across the province, assisted by several volunteer Special Constables. The Society is currently recruiting new volunteers due to lack of government funding to hire more staff. Over 700 cruelty complaints have been investigated by the Nova Scotia SPCA so far in 2009, an increase of 47% over the same period last year, and investigators have laid 15 charges in cases ranging from emaciated dogs to a case of neglect at a former wildlife rehabilitation centre.

This week's seizures were the largest since the seizure of 130 animals from two properties in Cape Breton in February 2008. Caring for the animals from that case cost the Nova Scotia SPCA over $100,000. Kelly hopes that with support from the public, the Society will be able to provide the best care possible for the cats and dogs that were rescued this week, giving them a chance for a new life. "When large seizures like this occur, the Society desperately needs donations to cover the significant costs of veterinary care, food and shelter. We also welcome volunteers who are able to give their time at the Metro and Kings County shelter to assist our staff during this challenging time," Kelly says. Adoption is another way Nova Scotia residents can make a significance difference in the lives of these animals and those currently waiting for their new lifelong companion to welcome them home.

Donations to either the Nova Scotia SPCA or the Metro Shelter can be made online through CanadaHelps.org by visiting the Nova Scotia SPCA website at www.spcans.ca or by mail to the Nova Scotia SPCA, 1600 Bedford Highway, Suite 209, Bedford, NS, B4A 1E8. Donations to the Kings County SPCA to assist with the costs of the Grand Pré seizure can also be made online by visiting their website at http://kingsspca.com or by mail to PO Box 248, Kentville, NS, B4N 3W4.

To receive the quickest response to media inquiries, please email media@spcans.ca.