The Chilliwack SPCA placed a "quarantine" sign on its fence this week due to ringworm.
The local shelter on Hopedale Road has been caring for more than 30 dogs and cats seized in cruelty investigations in Surrey and Langley. Many arrived at the SPCA suffering from ringworm, and staff have been donning protective clothing to care for the animals.
Due to the strict biosecurity measures, the Chilliwack BC SPCA Branch will be closed until further notice, branch manager Ivanna Ferris says.
“Many of the dogs and cats came into BC SPCA care with ringworm, an extremely contagious skin disease, and in order to prevent it spreading to people and other animals, we have to temporarily limit access to the public,” Ferris said.
The shelter will be however offering reduced services.
“We will still help animals in distress, such as strays or injured animals, as much as we’re able, but we are asking the public to contact the branch by phone or email before dropping an animal off at the shelter.”
The closure is coming in the wake of two recent seizures of animals from a Langley puppy mill and a Surrey breeder/boarder. Staff at the Chilliwack SPCA have been caring for 25 of the cats and kittens seized from the Surrey breeder, along with the 15 dogs from the same seizure who are already in their care.
"It can be both challenging and stressful dealing with and treating such a large number of animals, all at once," especially with procedures that include a lime sulfur dip at least twice a week, Ferris said.
"While the public has already been extremely generous with donations, cat toys and canned cat food are still needed."
They can be left just outside the shelter fence. To contact the Chilliwack SPCA because of an injured or stray animal, call Ferris at 604-823-6612 or email iferris@spca.bc.ca.