A woman was convicted in Kelowna after the BC SPCA found that she tried to euthanize her cat with fentanyl, while her other cats were on other drugs too.

Jayme-Jo Crystal Brooks pleaded guilty to animal cruelty charges on May 29 following an investigation by the BC SPCA, according to a press release issued today, June 10.

The investigation began when Brooks tried to euthanize her cat by injecting it with fentanyl in December 2024. A concerned veterinarian called the BC SPCA to report the cat was in critical condition after they had to euthanize it humanely.

After the cat’s death the BC SPCA discovered the fentanyl in its system.

The BC SPCA executed a search warrant and found two more cats in Brooks’ care. Investigators discovered that both cats had cocaine, amphetamines and methamphetime in their systems.

One of her cats was happily adopted into a loving family but veterinarians recommended the other be euthanized because of severe health concerns.

The BC SPCA recommended animal cruelty charges to Crown counsel.

After she pleaded guilty, she received a five-year prohibition from owning or having control of an animal or bird, a 12-month probation order with conditions including counselling and 30 hours of community service.

The BC SPCA regional manager for animal protection services Jamie Wiltse said it’s a victory against at-home euthanasia for pets.

Wiltse said normally an at-home euthanasia case is prosecuted under the provincial Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, but this was a criminal conviction.

“This is a huge victory for animal welfare in Canada,” Wiltse said in the release. “A criminal code conviction sends a stronger message and reflects a higher level of societal condemnation and accountability, and is typically reserved for the most serious cases.

“Unlike a provincial offence conviction, a conviction under the criminal code carries the consequence of a criminal record.”