UPDATE 5 p.m. –
The BC SPCA says it was able to rescue 41 animals from 27 different properties behind fire evacuation lines in Lytton today, as they were granted access to the area between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Working through the lists provided by residents through the BC SPCA Helpline, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, and Lytton First Nations, spokesperson Lorie Chortyk says SPCA officers found and brought to safety 12 cats, five kittens, four dogs and 20 farm animals.
She says the companion animals are being taken to the BC SPCA’s Animal Evacuation Centre in Kamloops or to veterinary clinics if needed, and the farm animals were transferred to foster homes.
“At the Evacuation Centre the animals can be claimed by their owners if they are staying somewhere they can keep them, or we can provide free emergency shelter if needed,” she said. “We are here to support the residents of Lytton and their animals however we can.”
Chortyk says the rescue efforts were carried out by 10 SPCA animal protection officers and two shelter staff, with additional staff and volunteers on hand to care for incoming animals.
ORIGINAL – BC SPCA personnel were given a four-hour window today in the Lytton wildfire disaster area to look for people’s pets and animals left behind in the chaotic evacuation of the village last week.
Spokesperson Lorie Chortyk says officers have a list of 40 properties to visit in that short time – based on lists they’ve compiled, or given by the TNRD and local First Nations.
“We’re also looking for wandering animals as well. Often animals will stick to where they know,” she said. “So in previous wildfires, we have tended to find animals kinda hunkered down in their homes or where their homes used to be.
“We’re hopeful that we’ll get as many on those lists out safely and back into the arms of their anxious guardians.”
But Chortyk says they never know what to expect.
The Kamloops branch – as well as a 55-hundred square foot nearby warehouse the SPCA is renting – is being prepped to receive whatever animals are found. Donations of cash and supplies, she says, would be greatly appreciated.
“They can just go to our BC SPCA website and donate there. And also people can drop off supplies at our shelter not at the evacuation centre,” she added.
“If people have supplies like leashes, collars and food bowls, toys, litter and cleaning supplies, that they can drop off outside our shelter on Tranquille Road, that would be amazing because many people are able – they’ve been displaced and they can keep their pets with them, but they don’t have all the usual supplies.”
In a statement this week, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District asked Village of Lytton or TNRD resident who has animals in the area that need attention to reach out by phone or email with details like where the animals are and if there are any specific care instructions that the animals need.
Lytton area residents will be getting a first-hand look at what’s left of their community tomorrow as part of a bus tour, though people will not be able to get off the bus as the area is still unsafe for people.
The TNRD said the animal operation will be coordinated using a specialized team to ensure the safety of the people entering the area, as well as the animals.
People on the Lytton First Nation are being told to contact the band office to arrange for care or rescue of their animals, though the TNRD says it has been in communication with First Nation.
