BC SPCA in Lytton rescuing pets, farm animals stuck behind evacuation lines

LYTTON (NEWS 1130) — Pets and farm animals left behind as their owners had to abruptly leave their homes to escape the aggressive wildfire in Lytton may soon be reunited thanks to the BC SPCA.

On Thursday, the SPCA will head behind evacuation lines in hopes of rescuing all the animals they’re aware of within one day.

“It’ll be a bit challenging because we just have a one-day window that we’re allowed in. But we’re certainly going to get all the resources we can in there and get pets back to their people,” Lorie Chortyk with the SPCA says.

Since the fire broke out, the SPCA has been documenting requests from animal owners. Chortyk says, officers have a list of properties and animals, and transport vehicles are lined up and ready to go.

Calls are still coming through to the SPCA Call Centre and the province’s emergency support services (ESS).

If you need help reuniting with your animal contact the BC SPCA Call Centre at 1-855-622-7722 no later than 6 p.m. July 7.

“We at first … thought we had 10 locations to go to. But as the afternoon is going by, we’re getting a lot more from ESS. So those numbers are growing quite rapidly,” Chortyk says.

The wildfire is being blamed for the deaths of two people, and the displacement of 1,000 others from their homes and businesses.

“I think all of us can imagine just how horrific that would be — you lose everything, or you don’t know if your home is still there. You don’t know what’s happened to your animals. And for most of us, those animals are members of our family. So we’re really looking forward to being able to go in and get those animals we’ll get them transported out,” Chortyk says.

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Once animals are rescued, Chortyk explains they will be either returned to their owner or be temporarily cared for in the Animal Evacuation Centre in Kamloops for those who can’t care for the pets at the moment.

So far, the shelter has taken in 35 dogs and 12 cats from the wildfires.

Donations can also be made online and supplies for pets can be dropped off at the Kamloops SPCA. For COVID-19 safety reasons, donors are asked to leave items outside the front door.

You can also help by becoming a volunteer foster home visit spca.bc.ca/ways-to-help for more information.

Anyone needing emergency boarding for their pet during the wildfires is asked to please contact the BC SPCA Call Centre at 1.855.622.7722 for more information or visit the animal help desk at the Kamloops ESS Centre. Those who have already registered with ESS can bring their animals directly to the Animal Evacuation Centre at 350 Dene Drive.

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