Robin recovering at BC SPCA location following encounter with free-roaming cat

The BC SPCA is warning B.C. residents of the risks to native birds if pet owners allow dogs and cats to roam freely.

Recently, an American robin was brought into BC SPCA’s Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre in Victoria after it was caught by a free-roaming cat. The young bird had fallen from its nest and was attacked while on the ground. The bird was in very poor condition and barely breathing when a person found it and brought it to the rehab centre, according to the BC SPCA in a news release.

“Upon arrival, initial assessment showed the robin had a deep wound in its skin tissue caused by the cat bite that would require surgery to repair,” says Andrea Wallace, manager, wild animal welfare, in the news release. “The bird also suffered trauma from being attacked and will require months of care to heal from the ordeal.”

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The robin is receiving antibiotics, pain medication, regular fluid treatments, and a specialized diet to ensure its recovery.

Many birds caught by free-roaming cats or off-leash dogs don't survive and millions are killed by domestic dogs and cats each year, according to the news release.

Cat owners can buy cat bibs to reduce the chance their cat will catch and injure a wild animal. Cat bibs can be purchased online though the SPCA online shop.

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