Skip to content

SPCA urges province to include mandatory plans for pets during emergencies

Agency said recent floods and fires have shown a need to include pets
20142335_web1_13221298_web1_puppies-1024x683
FILE – Puppies rescued by a BC Wildfire crew in 2018. (BC Wildfire)

The BC SPCA is urging the province to include pets as it overhauls its emergency management legislation this year.

In a Tuesday news release, the organization said the past few years of wildfires and floods, both in B.C. and abroad, have shown a need to plan for domestic animals.

“The devastating reports from Australia, where more than a billion animals are estimated to have died as a result of bushfires, are a somber reminder that both humans and animals are extremely vulnerable during a disaster,” said chief prevention and enforcement officer Marcie Moriarty.

The SPCA believes this leads to more animals killed, more pet owners refusing to leave their homes because there’s nowhere for their pets to go, and owners returning to evacuated areas to save their pets.

Current legislation does not require local officials to include domestic animals as part of their plans.

In prior years, the society has sent staff and resources to help pets and owners during floods and wildfires.

The province is accepting input on emergency management legislation until Jan. 31.

READ MORE: Puppies picked up by BC Wildfire crew to be returned to family


Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.