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BC SPCA seizes 34 Bengal cats from Vernon breeder

SPCA veterinarians are treating the cats for underweight conditions, skin and respiratory damage as the agency calls for stronger regulations against hybrid breeding

These Bengal cats were seized in late May 2025 from a Vernon property where the wild hybrid domestic felines were being kept in a state of distress, says the B.C. SPCA.
These Bengal cats were seized in late May 2025 from a Vernon property where the wild hybrid domestic felines were being kept in a state of distress, says the B.C. SPCA.
These Bengal cats were seized in late May 2025 from a Vernon property where the wild hybrid domestic felines were being kept in a state of distress, says the B.C. SPCA.
These Bengal cats were seized in late May 2025 from a Vernon property where the wild hybrid domestic felines were being kept in a state of distress, says the B.C. SPCA.

Overview

  • A tip about a potential sale led officers to seize the cats on May 28 from overcrowded, ammonia-filled cages at a Vernon property.
  • Veterinarians at the Kelowna centre found most cats underweight, some with diarrhea and skin issues, and are testing for ringworm after observing suspicious hair loss.
  • Ongoing care includes nutritional rehabilitation, topical and respiratory therapies, and scheduled spay and neuter surgeries before the cats can be adopted.
  • Many of the fearful cats require individualized handling and specialized enrichment to address the needs of this wild-domestic hybrid breed.
  • The BC SPCA has launched a fundraising campaign and is urging the provincial government to ban wild-domestic hybrid breeding under the Controlled Alien Species Regulation.