The Departure Bay terminal kitty dumpers were nabbed by Vancouver Police Wednesday morning.
With the help of B.C. Ferries, the Nanaimo and District SPCA posted video footage on its website of a male and female dumping three kittens in a garbage can at the Departure Bay terminal on July 27.
One of the kittens was euthanized due to extensive injuries that included a pelvic fracture and fractures to its femur bone. The other two were emaciated, dehydrated and had fleas, but have since recovered. One has been adopted.
Leon Davis, Nanaimo SPCA branch manager, said the police detained the suspects until they could be interviewed by a SPCA special constable.
“We’re so grateful that everyone disseminated the information to catch them so quickly,” said Davis. “Abandoning an animal anywhere is an offence.”
The animal cruelty investigation is still ongoing and the SPCA provincial department is coordinating with the Nanaimo SPCA. Charges have not yet been presented to the Crown.
Davis said the fact the kittens were dumped in a garbage can seemed to raise people’s disdain for the suspects. However, he said even if they were left outside the terminal in a box it’s still an offence.
People who can’t care for their animals can surrender them to the SPCA at any time but must ensure they do it properly.
Some animals have been left outside the SPCA branch office tied to the fence or in a box. That is still considered an offence and abandonment, said Davis.
People surrendering an animal must talk to and surrender the animal directly to staff members.
The SPCA also has several spay and neuter programs to help pet owners with low incomes. Davis encourages people to contact the SPCA to learn about the organization and the programs available.
For more information, please contact Nanaimo SPCA at 250-758-8444.