How to report an incident of animal cruelty

To report an act of cruelty or neglect, please

• contact your local BC SPCA branch or,

• if you do not have a local branch, contact the RCMP.

"The question is not, Can they reason?, nor Can they talk?, but Can they suffer?" 
~ English philosopher, Jeremy Bentham

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.

Review our latest stats at a glance to find the number of annual investigations performed, warrants executed, charges recommended and animals rescued.

What is animal cruelty?

Learn how to recognize animal cruelty and the signs of an animal in distress.

The BC SPCA cruelty investigations team

Get to know our team of specially trained constables, and review our investigation process.