BC SPCA scramble to evacuate animals as wildfire burns in Okanagan
Posted August 19, 2020 9:52 pm.
Last Updated August 20, 2020 2:37 am.
PENTICTON (NEWS 1130) — Animals affected by the wildfire near Penticton are being rushed out of the area by the BC SPCA.
Parm Takhar is with the association, and he says while about 20 animals have been transferred to the Vernon branch, they’re now focusing on affected families.
“We tried to ensure that there was space available for the public in case they had to evacuate and there’s a place for those animals to come too,” he says.
“We set up our Kelowna location as our evacuation site for those emergency boarding that might come into our care. And we want to make sure the public was aware of that option so that they don’t feel stressed about what happens to these animals.”
They’re also providing food and supplies for those families in need.
“We strongly encourage pet owners to plan for their animals when making evacuation preparations,” Takhar says in a release.
In previous wildfire seasons, the BC SPCA operated an animal evacuation centre for evacuated animals in Prince George.
If you’re able to help animals affected by the wildfires in Penticton or animals in need at the BC SPCA you can visit their website.
