Nine cats found trapped in storage bins on vacant property in northern B.C.

The B.C. SPCA is looking for answers after nine cats were found trapped inside storage bins left outside of a vacant property in northern B.C.

In a news release issued today, Jul. 15, the SPCA’s North Cariboo and District animal centre services manager Alex Schare says he received a call from a property manager about animals meowing from inside storage bins.

The cats had been trapped inside of the containers for days without food or water, Schare says. They were breathing through air holes that had been punched through the lid.

“These cats were starving and matted with feces and urine. Some of the adult cats would not have lived much longer and will require a refeeding plan to slowly reintroduce their bodies to food,” Schare says in the release.

The total cost of caring for the cats is expected to reached more than $3,000.

There were two kittens and seven adult cats three years old and younger. Many of the cats only scored a one on the body condition scale of one to nine.

The cats were so badly matted their fur had to be shaved.

“Despite everything they have been through, all of the cats are vocal and friendly,” Schare says.

As the property was vacant at the time the cats were found, it is not known who is responsible.

Anyone with information is asked to call the B.C. SPCA toll free hotline at 1-855-622-7722.

To donate to the cats medical emergency funds go here.

The cats were so badly matted that their fur had to be shaved. | Credit: SUBMITTED/ B.C SPCA

The cats had been trapped in storage containers for days without food or water and were breathing through air holes punched in the lid. | Credit: SUBMITTED/ B.C. SPCA


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Karen Edwards

Originally from southern Ontario, Karen Edwards moved out west after completing her journalism diploma at Durham College. She first began reporting in northern Alberta for a small town newspaper. The busy two-person newsroom taught Karen the importance of accurate and fast reporting. Now working for iNFO News, she is excited to report in a larger community. Karen has written for all kinds of news, including education, crime and mental health. Her background also includes video journalism and documentary production.

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