"The question is not, Can they reason?, nor Can they talk?, but Can they suffer?" ~ English philosopher, Jeremy Bentham
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The BC SPCA was created under the auspices of the provincial Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA Act), and is the only animal welfare organization in BC that has the authority to enforce laws relating to animal cruelty, and to recommend charges for Crown Counsel for the prosecution of individuals who inflict suffering on animals. |
The PCA Act allows our Special Provincial Constables to intercede whenever any animal, with the exception of species at risk or wildlife that are not in captivity, is found in a state of distress.
Our special constables respond to all complaints of animal cruelty and neglect. Our special constables work with animal guardians to educate them on animal protection laws and proper care required for their animal. In severe cases, animals may be seized, and the owners charged with Animal Cruelty.
In 2008, the BC SPCA's Cruelty Investigations Department responded to more than 4,700 complaints of cruelty and neglect. To learn more, select a link below.
Learn how to recognize animal cruelty and the signs of an animal in distress.
If you observe an animal in distress or an act of cruelty, call or submit a report online for our investigations team.
Get to know our team of specially trained constables, and review our investigation process.
Looking for information on a specific case? Find it here along with updates and other news.
Learn more about the PCA Act and the Criminal Code of Canada.
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