Animal protection officers removed five sickly pets from an RV covered in garbage, urine and feces in Chilliwack earlier this month, according to the B.C. SPCA.
The animals rescued on April 1 include three Shiba Inu mixes, a hairless Chihuahua and a cat, the charity says.
“When the animal protection officers knocked on the door of the RV they could hear the animals whining,” said Matt Affleck, senior director of animal protection services, in a news release Friday.
“When the door was finally opened, officers were hit with a strong odour of ammonia, they could see just how bad the conditions were inside. The cat was desperately trying to get out. The floor of the RV was covered in feces.”
Affleck said the conditions in were concerning for both the animals and people living in the vehicle, with items piled to the ceiling, the counter covered with overflowing ashtrays and a room so crammed with stuff the door couldn’t open.
“Heartbreakingly, all the animals were desperate for attention,” said the manager of the shelter the pets were taken to, who is not named in the release. “They all had obvious skin conditions, overgrown nails and reeked of urine and cigarette smoke. They deserved so much better and I am glad we can start to heal them.”
All five animals were dewormed and received antibiotics for skin conditions including mange and flea dermatitis.
But since being taken in by the B.C. SPCA, the organization says the pets’ personalities are beginning to blossom.
“The cat is chatty and very affectionate,” the manager said. “The Shiba Inu mix is full of energy and just loves getting attention from people, as do the two puppies and our hairless Chihuahua has the most interesting and lovable little face.”
The B.C. SPCA told CTV News it’s investigation into the situation is ongoing, so it is unknown when the dogs and cat will be available for adoption.
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