Question 1

​What power does the BC SPCA have in enforcing animal cruelty laws?

Anna Tilley · Accepted Answer

PCA Act

The BC SPCA derives its powers to investigate and take action in instances of animal cruelty from the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA Act). We are the only animal welfare organization in B.C. with the authority to enforce laws relating to animal cruelty and to recommend charges to Crown Counsel for the prosecution of those who inflict suffering on animals. Sad dog outdoors looking through the hole of a fence

Sad dog outdoors looking through the hole of a fence

Criminal Code of Canada

It is a crime in Canada to intentionally harm animals. Anyone who deliberately harms animals can be charged under the Criminal Code of Canada. The Criminal Code of Canada deals specifically with cruelty to animals in sections 444 to 447. Our Animal Protection team can recommend charges for Crown Counsel for the prosecution of individuals who inflict suffering on animals under the Criminal Code of Canada. Ginger kitten close up shot looking sad

Question 2

​Should I buy a puppy from a pet store?

Anna Tilley · Accepted Answer

Read our position on the sale of pets from pet stores (PDF).

What are the concerns with buying from a pet store?

You don't know where the animals came from. What if they were living in filth and their mothers were abused or neglected? They might have costly genetic (PDF), health and behaviour problems their entire lives. Learn more about good and bad breeders.
Many stores carry animals that they have no expertise or knowledge to care for. These animals are not given the Five Freedoms. Many just want a safe place to hide and rest and enough space and things to do. Often, cramped housing conditions don’t meet even their most basic needs.
When animals are transported to the pet store, they are often in cramped containers. Many animals, especially small animals like fish and gerbils, will die during transport.
If you buy from a pet store, you are creating a space for another animal to be brought in, continuing a cycle of pain and suffering.

Puppy dog looking sad behind a gate cage

What happens to pet store animals who aren’t sold?

Just like with inventory in retail, animals go on sale. If the animal is marked down and no one purchases her, the store may give the animal away or try to return her to the breeder. After a very low cost sale of an animal that has high care costs, the store will think twice and will not purchase another, be it a puppy, turtle or gecko. Cute rat in cage with hands over bars looking over opening of cage

Cute rat in cage with hands over bars looking over opening of cage

Are you worried about the well-being of an animal you saw in a pet store?

If you believe an animal you have seen may be in distress, call the BC SPCA Animal Helpline at 1-855-622-7722.

Question 3

​What is animal abuse?

Anna Tilley · Accepted Answer

An animal is in distress, according to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA Act), if it is:

(a) Deprived of adequate food, water, shelter, ventilation, light, space, exercise, care or veterinary treatment,

(a.1) Kept in conditions that are unsanitary,

(a.2) Not protected from excessive heat or cold,

(b) Injured, sick, in pain or suffering, or

(c) Abused or neglected.

Get more information on animals in distress and how you can help report animal cruelty. Sad dog lying down outdoors in the snow

Question 4

​What are the Five Freedoms?

Anna Tilley · Accepted Answer

The BC SPCA believes that all animals should enjoy, as a minimum, five essential freedoms, which were first described by the Farm Animal Welfare Council of the UK:

Freedom from hunger and thirst
Freedom from pain, injury and disease
Freedom from distress
Freedom from discomfort
Freedom to express behaviours that promote well-being

Happy mixed breed dog lying down being pet by smiling woman

What does animal welfare mean?

The objectives of the BC SPCA are to prevent cruelty and to promote the welfare of animals. Animal welfare means an animal's quality of life, and it is affected by animals' physical health and the feelings they experience. Animals experience good welfare when they are able to experience positive feelings (arising from pleasurable activities and the fulfillment of behavioural needs) and when they are free from poor physical health and negative feelings (such as pain, discomfort, hunger, thirst, fear and frustration). Animals that are healthy, pain-free, comfortable and unstressed are said to have good welfare.

Close up shot of cute wild common barn owl with sideways tilted head

Question 5

​What kind of shelter is adequate for a dog outside?

Anna Tilley · Accepted Answer

Dogs are social animals who like being around people and, in many cases, other dogs. If they live outdoors this often means they live in isolation. Dogs left outdoors must have an outdoor kennel that is weather and draft proof.

Kennel must be:

Elevated
Insulated - both walls and flooring
Lined with lots of dry bedding (use straw versus hay; straw is dried out and hollow while hay is moist and will mold)
Checked regularly to make sure bedding is dry
Have an entrance that protects the dog from wind, rain and snow
Fresh water in a spill-proof bowl must always be available. If the weather hits sub-zero temperatures, you should purchase a heated water bowl.

A social species, even outdoor dogs need to get daily exercise, play and time with people. Learn how to transition a dog living outdoors to living inside.

Question 6

How do I report animal cruelty?

Anna Tilley · Accepted Answer

If you're concerned that an animal may be in distress, call us. Your actions could help save an animal, and you may also be protecting children or adults at risk of being harmed. [text-blocks id="60025" slug="locations-call-centre-hours"] Cute ginger coloured cat lying down on cat perch post looking into lens

Cute ginger coloured cat lying down on cat perch post looking into lens

How the BC SPCA can help animals in distress

Our Animal Protection Officers respond to all complaints of animal cruelty and neglect, and can get involved whenever any animal, with the exception of species at risk or wildlife that are not in captivity, is found in distress. In severe cases, they may seize animals and recommend animal cruelty charges. Review our stats at a glance. Sad tethered up dog on a chain in a wooden kennel

Sad tethered up dog on a chain in a wooden kennel

How to recognize an animal in distress

An animal is in distress, according to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA Act), if it is:

(a) Deprived of adequate food, water, shelter, ventilation, light, space, exercise, care or veterinary treatment,

(a.1) Kept in conditions that are unsanitary,

(a.2) Not protected from excessive heat or cold,

(b) Injured, sick, in pain or suffering, or

(a.2) Not protected from excessive heat or cold,

(b) Injured, sick, in pain or suffering, or

(c) Abused or neglected.

The following examples may help you to recognize signs that an animal is in distress and needs help. Warning: graphic photos are included and viewer discretion is advised.

Thin and emaciated: Extremely thin, rib bones and hip bones are visible. This could indicate starvation or illness. Photo Example - caution: graphic
Little to no access to shelter, food or water: All companion, farm and captive wildlife should have access to food, water and shelter from the elements.
Wounded or injured: May have an obvious wound or be limping, or a guardian physically abusing an animal by hitting or kicking.
Coat in poor condition: Could indicate a flea or tick infestation. - Photo Example, Photo Example, Photo Example - caution: graphic
Hair badly matted: Can cause distress to an animal. Photo Example, Photo Example, Photo Example - caution: graphic
Overgrown or neglected nails or hooves: Photo Example, Photo Example- caution: graphic
Untreated infections: Photo Example, Photo Example- caution: graphic

Cruelty to Farm Animals

Cases where farm animals suffer as a result of "generally accepted management practices" cannot be prosecuted under the PCA Act. However, people who allow their farm animals to be in distress as a result of inadequate basic care can be prosecuted.

Learn more about the BC SPCA's Farm Animal Welfare programs, and how the BC SPCA is working to improve the standards of care for farm animals.

Question 7

​Why can't the BC SPCA tell us more about ongoing cruelty investigations?

Anna Tilley · Accepted Answer

The BC SPCA is not able to provide details on active investigations into animal cruelty cases, as doing so may compromise any potential charges or other legal actions we may take.

<img class="aligncenter size-full-width wp-image-54107" src="https://spca.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/cid-male-officer-rescuing-senior-dog-5-825x549.jpg" alt="animal cruelty officer rescuing neglected senior dog" width="825" height="549" />

Question 8

​How is the BC SPCA different from Animal Control Services?

Anna Tilley · Accepted Answer

The BC SPCA is the only animal welfare organization that can investigate animal cruelty as established by the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Constitution and Bylaws of the Society (PDF). We are guided by our Code of Ethics (PDF).

Animal Control agencies enforce city/municipal animal by-laws and, in some cities/municipalities, operate their own animal facilities. By-laws may include stray dogs, leash laws and licensing. In some BC SPCA animal centres, we are contracted by the city/municipality to enforce the by-laws or kennel stray dogs and/or cats. Contact your local animal centre to determine what services we provide in your community. Please call the BC SPCA Animal Helpline at 1-855-622-7722 to report animal cruelty.

Question 9

Can I remain anonymous when reporting animal cruelty?

Anna Tilley · Accepted Answer

Yes. When you make a report with one of our Animal Helpline operators, let them know that you would like to report anonymously and they will not take your personal information.

Your information could be released in the event of a court order, legal proceeding, another law enforcement agency investigation or if we ask you to provide a statement so that we can obtain a search warrant.

Providing us with your contact information allows our animal protection officers to contact you with additional questions, if necessary. If you wish to be contacted regarding the outcome of the investigation, we can only do so if we have your contact information, otherwise no follow-up information will be available to you at any time.

<img class="aligncenter size-full-width wp-image-28892" src="https://spca.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/news-havanese-45-victoria-medical-emergency-cruelty-after-825x717.jpg" alt="" width="825" height="717" />

Question 10

​What is the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA Act)?

Anna Tilley · Accepted Answer

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA Act) is the provincial animal welfare legislation that outlines required standards of care. The BC SPCA was created under the auspices of the PCA Act, and that's what gives it the power to investigate and take action on animal cruelty cases. It also details the BC SPCA's constitution and powers of inspection and enforcement.

The BC SPCA is the only animal welfare organization in B.C. with the authority to enforce laws related to animal cruelty. In 2008, we successfully campaigned for amendments to the Act that significantly increased protection for abused and neglected animals in B.C. We continue to propose and support amendments to strengthen the Act. For example, in July 2015, the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture announced a new regulation to adopt the Codes of Practice for the Care and Handling of Dairy Cattle into the PCA Act, specifically outlining what is considered a 'generally accepted practice'. The inclusion of the Codes complemented our work with the BC Dairy Association, the BC Milk Marketing Board and the dairy industry to improve the welfare of dairy cattle.

In February 2017, the BC SPCA applauded the government of B.C's move to target irresponsible dog and cat breeders. The proposed amendments to the PCA Act would enable the B.C. government to regulate commercial breeders through either a registration or licensing system that will help ensure commercial cat and dog breeders are treating animals with the respect and care they deserve.

Question 11

​How do I become a cruelty investigator?

Anna Tilley · Accepted Answer

Investigating reports of animal cruelty and seizing animals in distress is both rewarding and challenging. It's a job that requires a unique set of skills and the right personality type. The best way to find out if it's the right job for you is to start by working in a BC SPCA animal centre to gain experience shadowing Animal Protection Officers and participate in initial investigations. Currently, we employ [text-blocks id="10716" slug="number-cid-constables" plain="1"] throughout the province. Should an opening become available, the job opportunity will be posted on our website. To learn more, download a description of qualifications, experience and skills required to become a Animal Protection Officer (PDF) with the BC SPCA.

Question 12

What happens when someone files a cruelty complaint?

Anna Tilley · Accepted Answer

Step 1 - Gathering information

When the BC SPCA Animal Helpline (1-855-622-7722) receives a cruelty complaint, an Animal Helpline operator will gather information from the caller, including but not limited to:

The caller’s name, phone number and address: While we do accept anonymous reports, contact information is very important in the event that the animal protection officer who investigates the complaint has any questions or difficulty locating the property. Also, if legal action is pursued, we may require a statement.
The person of interest’s information: Address and name (if known) as well as physical description and whether the caller believes they might be violent.
A detailed description of the animal(s) and the concerns. Also location of animals if different from the person of interest’s address.
Date and time of the incident or when the animal was last observed.

All of these questions are necessary to ensure we provide the animal protection officers with as much information as possible to assist them in their investigation.

Step 2 - Investigating the complaint

An animal protection officer will review the complaint and attend the premises. Our response time will depend on the number and priority of calls at the time, as well as the location of the animals reported. The officers will attend as soon as they are able, however it is important to remember that the BC SPCA is a non-profit organization with only 30 full time officers for the whole province. If the animal protection officer attends and finds the complaint to be unfounded, we will close the file with no further action. If the complaint is valid and there are animals in distress, the officer must give the owner the opportunity to relieve the distress within a reasonable period of time. In doing so the officer would issue the owner with notice(s).

Step 3 - Resolving the issue

If the owner complies within the provided time period, we will close the file. If the owner does not comply within the time period, the animal protection officer may either issue new notices, provide additional time (depending on the circumstances) or apply for a warrant to seize the animal(s). Dog from puppy mill cruelty before and after

Dog from puppy mill cruelty before and after

Question 13

​How does the BC SPCA help horses?

Anna Tilley · Accepted Answer

Horses and farm animals come into the BC SPCA's care through our Animal Protection Services. Sadly, these horses are usually in poor condition. In many cases they require extensive nutritional, medical, and behavioural rehabilitation due to starvation, neglect and abuse. The BC SPCA cares for these horses in one of our three barn facilities: the Good Shepherd Barn in Surrey, the Kelowna Recovery and Adoption Barn, and the Nanaimo Seasted Stables, or places them in the care of an experienced foster home. The BC SPCA provides the care, treatment and time these horses need to recover before being adopted to new homes. To adopt a horse or any other animal from the BC SPCA, please visit our adoptions page. The BC SPCA does not have the resources to take in surrendered horses and farm animals at this time. We rely heavily on donations and our dedicated foster homes and boarding facilities to provide for the horses in our care. Our Science & Policy team advocates to protect and enhance the quality of life for all animals in British Columbia, including horses, through education and advocacy initiatives. We work to increase awareness of animal welfare issues, promote individual actions that lead to positive change, and press for evidence-based changes to standards, policies, and legislation to improve the lives of horses. person walking with horse outside

Question 14

Is tail docking, debarking or ear cropping of dogs legal in B.C.?

Jill Spacey · Accepted Answer

In 2016, the College of Veterinarians of British Columbia (CVBC) voted to prohibit their membership from cropping ears or docking tails of dogs for cosmetic purposes. A similar vote took place in 2023 to ban the practice of devocalization (“debarking”) in dogs.

Ear cropping: the removal of part or all of a dog’s ear
Tail docking: the removal of part or all of a dog’s tail
Devocalization: the partial or full removal of a dog’s vocal cords to reduce or prevent the volume, pitch or intensity of their bark

In accordance with section 231 of the CVBC Ethics and Standards (PDF), these procedures may only be done to treat injury or disease. As such, if a veterinarian performed these procedures for reasons other than treatment, they would be in breach of their ethics and standards and also potentially in breach of the Criminal Code and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (the “PCA Act”). Dobberman with cropped ears and docked tail

Dobberman with cropped ears and docked tail

The BC SPCA’s position on these procedures

It is the position of the BC SPCA that unless medically required, the cosmetic docking of tails or cropping of ears without the use of anesthetics or analgesia causes pain and suffering as reported by both the CVBC and CVMA. We also believe that devocalization deprives dogs of an essential form of communication. Not only can this cause them significant stress, but devocalization fails to address the underlying reasons why dogs bark in the first place. Read more about our position on cosmetic and other non-therapeutic alterations. Complaints about tail docking, ear cropping and devocalization may be investigated and, provided they meet the charge approval standard as set out by the Crown, recommendations for charges pursuant to either the Criminal Code of Canada or the provincial Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act will be forwarded to Crown Counsel.

The impacts of these procedures on dogs

Tail docking, ear cropping and devocalization cause unnecessary pain and suffering to a dog when the procedures are not medically necessary to treat injury or disease. Studies have demonstrated that dogs who have had their tails docked display signs of chronic pain and heightened pain sensitivity. Dogs who have been debarked are at risk of complications, including:

Short-term: bleeding, swelling, infection, coughing and gagging
Long-term: chronic coughing or gagging, aspiration pneumonia, and airway narrowing and scarring, which can lead to noisy breathing, respiratory distress, exercise intolerance, heat intolerance and collapse

Tails, ears and vocalizations also play a significant role in communication for canines, both with other dogs and to humans. Docked tails have been shown to result in more frequent aggressive encounters with other dogs. Tail and ear activity are closely linked with other dog behaviours and, together with vocalizations, allow dogs to signal both negative and positive emotions, moods and intentions.

Question 15

​Why does the BC SPCA allow animal guardians under investigation to keep their animals?

Anna Tilley · Accepted Answer

The BC SPCA has a legal obligation to provide animal guardians with "an opportunity to relieve the animal's distress." The objective of every investigation is to relieve and prevent the distress of an animal through education, cooperation and, if necessary, prosecution under the law. Initially, an investigator may issue notices to a guardian that he must seek medical attention for his animal. Notices can also apply to an animal's environment, such as building a raised and insulated shelter. The investigator will give the animal guardian a time-frame for compliance, and if he or she fails to comply with notices, the investigator can either issue further notices allowing the guardian more time, or apply for a search warrant to seize the animal. Acting under the law, the BC SPCA is not empowered to remove animals from private property without a search warrant unless those animals would not survive without immediate medical intervention. Animals may be lacking adequate food, shelter and veterinary care, or even be sick and in pain, but unless they are in immediate danger of dying they are not in critical distress under the law. Sad tethered up dog on a chain in a wooden kennel

Question 16

​What are generally accepted practices of animal management?

Brandy Street · Accepted Answer

B.C.'s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA Act) outlines generally accepted practices of animal management as a reason by which distress is legally acceptable. Generally accepted practices of animal management are ways of handling or caring for animals that are commonly used by those responsible for them. Sometimes these practices still cause pain, suffering and distress to animals. If the practices haven't been written down in any official document, it is up to experts like veterinarians and leaders in the relevant industry (such as animal farming, sled dogs, animal breeding or horse racing) to give expert testimony in court when there is an animal neglect or cruelty case. Animals are better represented when practices are written and agreed to by a committee of experts that includes animal welfare experts. We call these documents 'standards' or 'Codes of Practice'. In Canada, the National Farm Animal Care Council coordinates the development of the Codes of Practice for the care and handling of farm animals. The Codes of Practice are nationally developed guidelines that serve as our national understanding of animal care requirements and recommended practices. In 2019, the Codes of Practice were included in provincial law - through the adoption of the Animal Care Codes of Practice Regulation under the PCA Act. This means that the Codes of Practice for some industries now serve as the minimum standard for what is considered to be a 'reasonable and generally accepted practice' of farmed animal care in B.C. For example, science shows that castrating (neutering) cattle is painful at any age. However, the Code of Practice only requires farmers to use pain control on animals over six months of age. Despite the fact that castrating without pain control causes pain and distress, farmers cannot be charged with animal cruelty for this distress because this is a 'generally accepted practice'. In order to better protect animals, it is important to continue to strengthen standards and Codes of Practice, so that generally accepted practices better align with science and societal values of how we should treat animals. Read more about laws for farmed animals.

Question 17

​I saw a dog in the back of a pick-up truck, what do I do?

Anna Tilley · Accepted Answer

Section 72 of the BC Motor Vehicle Act and Section 9.3 of the PCA Act prohibit the transport of an unsecured pet in the back of a pick-up truck. It is against the law and dangerous for a pet. If you see a dog that is unattached in the back of a pick-up truck, call 911. Record the information about the vehicle so that you have it on hand for your call:

Licence plate number
Make and model of vehicle
Description of dog

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jy_JNtlfb7g

What is the best way to secure a pet in a vehicle?

Unrestrained pets are a major distraction to drivers and can cause vehicle collisions. In a crash, pets become flying objects and can cause serious injury to themselves and others.

Put the dog inside the vehicle with you and use a secured crate or a dog seatbelt to restrain your pet.
If you must transport your pet in the back of a truck, the safest method is in a secured crate in the centre of your truck box.

Find out more about transporting your pet safely. [caption id="attachment_1452" align="aligncenter" width="825"] Happy dog restrained in crate in the back of a truck

Happy dog restrained in crate in the back of a truck

The correct way to transport a dog in a pick-up truck: Dog is inside a secured crate.[/caption]

Question 18

​Is it legal to chain your dog in B.C.?

Anna Tilley · Accepted Answer

If you suspect an animal is in distress, call the BC SPCA Animal Helpline: 1-855-622-7722. A BC SPCA Animal Protection Officer will follow up on the complaint and have educational materials to help owners transition their dog inside. If the animal is found to be in distress, the Animal Protection Officer will issue notices to the owner. Sad dog outdoors tethered on a chain

Outdoor dogs and distress

When our Animal Protection Officers visit a property, they must determine if the animal is in distress. The definition of distress is covered under the legislation that governs the BC SPCA, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA Act):

deprived of adequate food, water, shelter, ventilation, light, space, exercise or veterinary care
- kept in conditions that are unsanitary
- not protected from excessive heat or cold
injured, sick, in pain or suffering, or
abused or neglected

"Adequate" can be a subjective term. Officers use the following definitions to help clarify the term:

Adequate water: Access to clean, potable drinking water at all times
Adequate food: A sufficient quantity of suitable food to allow for normal growth and the maintenance of normal body weight and food receptacles that are clean, disinfected and located as to avoid contamination by excreta
Adequate shelter: A properly constructed shelter that ensures protection from heat, cold and dampness, and is appropriate to the weight and protective outer coat of the animal.

Learn more about municipal bylaws for chained and outdoor animals in B.C.

Question 19

​Why don't animal abusers go to jail?

Anna Tilley · Accepted Answer

While the BC SPCA is the only animal welfare organization in BC that can recommend charges under both the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA Act) and the Criminal Code of Canada, it is up to Crown Counsel to prosecute and for the judge to determine sentencing upon conviction.

Penalties for individuals convicted under the PCA Act or Criminal Code are as follows:

A person who commits an offence under the PCA Act is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $75,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or to both.
Under the Criminal Code, a person who commits an offence directly related to one of the sections on animals: is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than five years; or an offence punishable on summary conviction and liable to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than 18 months or to both.

Question 20

​Why do you need a warrant?

Anna Tilley · Accepted Answer

As BC SPCA Animal Protection Officers enforce the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA Act), they must act in accordance with the legislation. The PCA Act does not permit BC SPCA Animal Protection Officers to search for evidence or remove animals without a warrant. Many investigations can be conducted without a search warrant. Upon respectful request, animal guardians will usually permit us to view their animals and, if the animals are in distress, guardians often comply with notices provided.

It is only when our Animal Protection Officers are denied access to the animals, or if the guardians are unable or unwilling to comply with notices and relieve the distress of the animals, that it is necessary to obtain a search warrant. In order for a warrant to be granted, there must be reasonable grounds to do so and there must be animals in distress or an offence committed against them. The only time BC SPCA Animal Protection Officers may remove an animal without a warrant is when the animal is in critical distress and not located within a dwelling house. PCA Act: Authority to enter without a warrant

14 (1) In this section, "critical distress" means distress in an animal of such a nature that (a) immediate veterinary treatment cannot prolong the animal's life, (b) prolonging the animal's life would result in the animal suffering unduly, or (c) immediate veterinary intervention is necessary to prevent the imminent death of the animal. (2) An authorized agent who believes on reasonable grounds that there is an animal in critical distress in any premises, other than a dwelling house, or in any vehicle, aircraft or vessel, may enter the premises, vehicle, aircraft or vessel without a warrant for the purpose of taking any action authorized by this Act to relieve that critical distress.

Further, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms states that everyone has the right to be secure against unreasonable search and seizure. If the BC SPCA performed an unreasonable search, it would have serious consequences for the outcome of the case, the animal(s) involved and the Animal Protection Officers performing the search. Sad dog, alone and tethered with a chain outdoors

Sad dog, alone and tethered with a chain outdoors

Question 21

Is reporting animal cruelty safe and is my personal information protected?

Anna Tilley · Accepted Answer

Yes. The BC SPCA complies with the Personal Information Protection Act.

Your information could be released in the event of a court order, legal proceeding, another law enforcement agency investigation or if we ask you to provide a statement so that we can obtain a search warrant.

Providing us with your contact information allows our animal protection officers to contact you with additional questions, if necessary. If you wish to be contacted regarding the outcome of the investigation, we can only do so if we have your contact information, otherwise no follow-up information will be available to you at any time.

<img class="aligncenter size-full-width wp-image-44907" src="https://spca.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/news-cruelty-langley-horses-e1548700300283-825x629.jpg" alt="" width="825" height="629" />

Question 22

​Why can't the BC SPCA close a facility when the treatment of animals is in question?

Anna Tilley · Accepted Answer

The BC SPCA does not have the lawful authority to close facilities, businesses or operations. Our Animal Protection Officers must investigate in accordance with the PCA Act and follow procedures and protocols for investigation, which include working with the owners to relieve animals of any distress. If the owners are unable or unwilling to relieve distress, our Animal Protection Officers may apply for a warrant to seize the animals.

Question 23

​If there isn't enough evidence to seize animals what can be done?

Anna Tilley · Accepted Answer

If the animals in question are not in distress or the owner has taken the necessary steps to relieve the distress, the BC SPCA has no lawful authority to remove the animals.

The animal protection officer may check back in with the owners to view the animals within a set time period, however our officers cannot continually monitor a particular animal (and owner) without reasonable grounds to do so. We rely on members of the public to be our eyes and ears and to report concerns to us if/when they observe any animals in distress.

<img class="aligncenter wp-image-10630 size-full-width" src="https://spca.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/dog-sad-trapped-in-chained-cage-outdoors-yard-825x321.jpg" alt="" width="825" height="321" />

Question 24

What happens with seized animals? How can you get seized animals back?

Anna Tilley · Accepted Answer

When the BC SPCA seizes an animal, the animal guardian is provided with a Notice of Disposition, which details the procedure for disputing the seizure. Anyone wishing to dispute a seizure must do so in writing within 14 days of receiving the Notice of Disposition. If the animal guardian does not dispute the seizure within 14 days, the BC SPCA will gain custody of the animal. However, the animal guardian will be responsible for the costs of care of the animal while in our care.

If the animal guardian disputes the seizure, the BC SPCA's Chief Prevention and Enforcement Officer will review and consider the case, and will decide whether to return the animal (based on the animal’s best interests) under some type of care agreement.

If the decision is made to refuse to return the animal, the animal guardian has the right to appeal the decision to the BC Farm Industry Review Board.

Question 25

​How does the BC SPCA decide which cases it should recommend cruelty charges in?

Anna Tilley · Accepted Answer

The BC SPCA derives its powers to investigate and take action in instances of animal cruelty from the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA Act). We are the only animal welfare organization in BC that has the authority to enforce laws relating to animal cruelty. Our Animal Protection Team can also recommend charges under both the PCA Act as well as the Criminal Code of Canada to Crown Counsel for the prosecution of individuals who inflict suffering on animals. In order for us to recommend charges to Crown Counsel, it must be in the public’s interest to prosecute, and there must be a substantial likelihood of conviction. Ultimately, it is Crown Counsel’s decision on whether or not charges are pursued. Sad dog outdoors tethered on a chain

Question 26

​How do you enforce a ban on owning animals?

Anna Tilley · Accepted Answer

A ban (or prohibition) on owning animals is one of the most effective ways to prevent someone who has been convicted of animal cruelty from simply acquiring more animals. Prohibitions are enforced in part through public reporting and in part through BC SPCA Animal Protection Officers monitoring. Given the media attention that often follows a person's conviction of animal cruelty and ban on owning animals, we often find that neighbours or people living in the same community as the former animal owner are more than happy to report to us should this person obtain new animals. Our Animal Protection Officers also do random inspections when possible. If you are aware of someone who has a ban and you know that they also own or care for an animal, please call the BC SPCA Animal Helpline: 1-855-622-7722. Learn more about our cruelty investigations. CID Officer and Dog

Animal Helpline: 1-855-622-7722

Animal Helpline:

1-855-622-7722

Find a BC SPCA location in your area:

Pet care and behaviour help topics

Pet care & behaviour

What kind of shelter is adequate for a dog outside?

Kennel must be:

Animal Helpline:

1-855-622-7722

Find a BC SPCA location in your area:

Pet care & behaviour

​What kind of shelter is adequate for a dog outside?

Kennel must be:

What kind of shelter is adequate for a dog outside?