BC SPCA: Report Incident of Animal in Distress

Report Incident of Animal in Distress

If you wish to file a complaint electronically with respect to an animal in distress, then we ask you to observe the following guidelines:

This form should only be used if your complaint is of a general non life threatening nature.

If your complaint is of a life threatening nature, please call your nearest branch or our emergency number at 604.879.7343.

When using this form, be sure to include full particulars of the complaint, the address where the animals are located, and if necessary, directions to the complaint.

Due to the sheer volume of complaints, it is not possible for us to acknowledge every complaint, but rest assured all complaints will be investigated.

Reporter Information:

1. Your personal information is NOT mandatory, however, if you wish to remain anonymous please be advised that updates on the status of this incident report will not be released.

First Name:

Last Name:

Email:

Address 1:

Address 2:

City:

Province / State:

Postal Code/Zip Code:

Phone Number:

Yes, I would like to receive email from The BC SPCA

Remember me. What's this?

Please note that all form fields marked with an asterisk () are mandatory.*

2. Question - Required - All information is kept confidential but may be used in the event that a search warrant is required or if an offence has been committed and a charge recommended to Crown Counsel, in which case you may be called to give evidence. Are you prepared to give evidence if called upon?

Owner/Suspect & Location Information:
If address is not known please enter location information (be as specific as possible)

3. Question - Not Required - First Name:

4. Question - Not Required - Last Name:

5. Question - Not Required - Address:

(Maximum response 255 chars, approx. 5 rows of text)

6. Question - Required - City:

7. Question - Not Required - Postal Code:

8. Question - Required - Location information, directions, or any further information that could be of help in locating the animals:

Incident Information:

9.

Question - Not Required - Date of Incident:

Month
Day
Year

10. Question - Not Required - Time of Incident:

11. Question - Not Required - Type(s) of animals:

(Maximum response 255 chars, approx. 5 rows of text)

12. Question - Not Required - Number of animals:

13. Question - Required - Description of Incident (more is better):

Q - How is a ban on owning animals enforced?

A ban on owning animals is one of the most effective tools we have on ensuring that animals are kept free from distress and individuals convicted of animal cruelty do not have access to animals. Without the ban on owning animals, it is entirely possible for someone who has been convicted of animal cruelty and fined or given jail time even, to simply acquire more animals who could face similar cruel situations. Bans or limits on the number of animals is also extremely helpful in "hoarding" cases where only the court order is standing in the way of people acquiring more animals. The bans are enforced in part through the public and in part through constable monitoring. Given the media attention that often follows a persons conviction of animal cruelty and ban on owning animals, we often find that neighbours or people living in the same community as the former animal owner, will be more than happy to report to us should this person obtain new animals. Our constables also do random inspections when possible.

For more information, read more about animal welfare legislation.

Q - How do I become a cruelty investigator?

Investigating reports of animal cruelty and seizing animals in distress is an incredibly rewarding and challenging job. It requires a unique set of skills and the right type of personality. Often times, people will have worked in the shelters with the BC SPCA for a period of time and gained experience shadowing SPCs and doing initial investigations. Currently, we employ 24 full time constables for the province. Should an opening occur, we will post the job on the BC SPCA website.

For a full description of the qualifications it takes to become a Special Provincial Constable, please download this document.