Okanagan Humane Society Urges Pet Owners to Protect Their Animals Amid Increasing Threats
The Okanagan Humane Society is urging pet owners in the region to take heightened precautions with their animals as the fall season approaches. This time of year sees an uptick in predator activity, which poses significant risks to pets that are allowed to roam freely outdoors.
“We always encourage people to keep their pets inside, but especially now as the weather cools, predators are emerging at night in search of food, increasing the risk for pets,” warns Romany Runnalls, Volunteer President of the Okanagan Humane Society.
Reports of coyote sightings have surged in local neighborhood Facebook groups, and a large black bear was recently filmed running down Glenmore Road, a major thoroughfare in Kelowna. Additionally, a section of Mission Creek Regional Park has been closed due to heightened bear activity.
“We have seen a rapid increase in reports of lost cats or those found injured or deceased due to predators,” Runnalls adds. In just the past week, Okanagan Humane Society volunteers rescued a tabby cat near Casorso Road, where it was reported that two other cats had fallen victim to coyotes. This incident is part of a disturbing trend, with nearly 50 animals reported in the last seven days alone, many of which arrived with injuries from outdoor encounters.
To enhance the chances of reuniting lost pets with their owners, Runnalls encourages pet owners to microchip their animals. “We always check for microchip identification and contact owners before posting about found animals. Unfortunately, we also receive unclaimed animals, which then enter our Adoption Program after being vetted,” she explains.
Runnalls highlights that adult cats who are homeless or abandoned require time and patience before they can be successfully adopted. Foster homes play a crucial role in this process. “An unowned cat that has lived outside for an extended period may exhibit fear or aggression, appearing feral when they are simply frightened,” she notes. “We aim to take it slow and place these cats in suitable foster homes where they can decompress, which is essential to their recovery. Our volunteer fosters are vital in providing shelter for these animals.”
The Okanagan Humane Society encourages the community to report sightings of homeless animals through their Rescue Program on their website, enabling dedicated volunteers to follow up and provide assistance in capturing the animals safely.
Related Topics
