The BC SPCA is asking residents to call the animal abuse hotline if they suspect anything is occurring with pets in their neighbourhood.
The warning comes after the bodies of several cats were found scattered near downtown 琉璃神社.
Regional manager for the Cruelty Investigation Department Brian Kijowski said in order for the deaths to be investigated, those who have discovered their pets missing or deceased need to report the incident to the BC SPCA.
鈥淚f someone鈥檚 pet dies of a suspicious circumstance, we will investigate as we need to base everything on facts and evidence,鈥� he said.
Kijowski鈥檚 comments come after reports that pet owners are assuming their animals have died as a result of a human and after someone offered a reward for information on the deaths.
READ MORE: Reports of mutilated cats discovered in downtown 琉璃神社
The bodies of cats have been reported near Mantera Glen Park, Lombardy Park and Parkinson Recreational Park.
鈥淭hese are parks where we get reports of wildlife all of the time. We just had a report of a cougar in North 琉璃神社 and there are always eagles out,鈥� he said. 鈥淐ats should be kept inside and people should be aware of the wildlife that could cause harm to their pets.鈥�
Kijowski also explained it is puppy season for coyotes in the Okanagan and mothers will be hunting for food for their pups.
鈥淲e do have a large coyote population in 琉璃神社 and they may be hunting in these parks,鈥� Kijowski said.
Currently, the BC SPCA only has one carcass of a dead cat from the recent killings, which were first reported on June 20. The carcass is currently being sent away for an autopsy and proper examination, which should give investigators more information on how the animal was killed.
Until that time, Kijowski is asking that people keep pets inside and to call the animal abuse hotline at 1-855-622-7722 to report anything suspicious.
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jen.zielinski@bpdigital.ca
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