Unscrupulous pet import ‘rescues’ (flippers) rushed to make money and meet the demand, MacBeth said. This fuelled irresponsible breeding such as backyard breeding, and pet mills. When COVID restrictions came into effect, there was a marked increase in pet adoptions and purchases. There’s also the veterinary shortage issue which slows a cat’s movement through rescues. Those who impulsively bought pets during the pandemic are facing the realities of finding housing, dealing with behavioural issues and the expense of pet ownership. “It’s not just pet-friendly housing that’s the challenge, though that certainly is the most cited reason for surrender,” MacBeth said. (Darren McDonald)Ĭhloé MacBeth, branch manager with the Chilliwack SPCA, echoed Moschopedis’ message and added there are other reasons cats are being abandoned. Lack of planning on an owner’s part should not constitute an emergency on rescuers’ part.”Ĭat rescue organizations are “drowning in cats” that have been surrendered by owners because they can’t find pet-friendly housing, said Christy Moschopedis of FCM Community Cat Trappers. “Don’t contact rescues once you’re already moved out or you have to be out in hours. Rescues want to help, but cat owners need to respect the organizations and the staff and volunteers who run them, Moschopedis said. Nearly 80 per cent of the cats in care at four cat rescues in Chilliwack are owner surrenders: ABC Cat Rescue (97 per cent), Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven (63 per cent), Chilliwack Community Animal Projects (100 per cent) and Forever Homes Cat Rescue (58 per cent). “Chilliwack rescues have seen a significant uptick in owner surrenders. People are dropping them off at shelters or abandoning them.Īlthough Moschopedis’ organization does not have a shelter for cats – FCM focuses on TNRs (trap, neuter/spay, release) of feral cats – she works closely with local rescues to rehome friendly feral cats and kittens. Local rescues are “drowning in cats” that have been surrendered by their owners, said Christy Moschopedis of FCM Community Cat Trappers.
The lack of pet-friendly rental housing is having an impact on cat rescue organizations in Chilliwack.
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