The BC SPCA seized more than 120 animals — most of which were sick or injured — from a Fort St. James property..In addition to finding the alive, albeit emaciated, animals, SCPA also located 130 dead cats stuffed into freezers behind a trailer where the same individuals had lived in Vanderhoof..The organization says the animals were kept in “filthy and unsafe conditions,” and is likely the result of animal hoarding..Upon entering the Fort St. James property, SPCA found 120 cats and three small dogs. Most were either starving, suffering respiratory infection, extreme flea infestation, urine scald, eye infection, dental issues, ear mites, or wounds..“The entryway and hallway to the bedrooms were covered in layers of feces and the entire trailer was very hot and filled with an overwhelming ammonia smell due to the build-up of urine,” says Eileen Drever, senior officer for protection and stakeholder relations for the BC SPCA..“The feces and urine were so thick that boot covers were pulled off within a couple of steps due to the stickiness.”.The majority of cats were hiding in kitchen cupboards or under furniture and appliances..“No water was present for any of the animals. Some dry cat food had been scattered on the floor, but the food was contaminated with urine and feces,” said Drever, adding that many of the cats were having difficulty breathing..The three Chihuahuas are being treated for dental disease, hair loss, and grooming issues..“Any time we are dealing with situations of animal hoarding it is devastating for both the animals and the people,” says Drever..“We are just so glad that we were called in time to rescue the remaining animals.”.Drever says animal protection officers have been dealing with many large-scale, similar cases in recent months, which has put further pressure on already strained shelters..Last week the Calgary Humane Society spent more than 10 hours rounding up nearly 100 cats and several birds from a home that had been hoarding the animals in a similar condition to that of Fort St. James.
