Chilliwack – The BC SPCA has confirmed that the three deceased cats found on a property in the Chilliwack area on or around May 8 were victims of predator attacks.
“We have now received necropsy results which indicate that the wounds are consistent with predation,” says Eileen Drever, the BC SPCA’s senior officer protection and stakeholder relations. While there had been concern that the cats were intentionally injured, Drever notes that injuries caused by predators like coyotes and raccoons can be mistaken for those made by human weapons or tools. “We felt it was important to wait for the necropsy results before commenting publicly on the cause of death.”
The BC SPCA is warning cat and small dog guardians not to let their pets outdoors without supervision. “Chilliwack has a large coyote population,” says Drever. “It is a common misconception that coyotes are strictly nocturnal. You may encounter a coyote during the day, but they are generally more active after sunset and at night.” Drever adds that you might see and hear coyotes more during mating season (January – March) and when the young are dispersing from family groups (October – January).
The BC SPCA advises pet guardians to keep their cats indoors or in enclosed areas and to keep dogs on a leash. “If approached by a coyote make noise and appear ‘big’ by stamping your feet and waving your arms to frighten the predator off,” says Drever. “Pick up small children and pets and maintain eye contact and move away slowly. Don’t run away, as it could encourage them to give chase.”
