A ban (or prohibition) on owning animals is one of the most effective ways to prevent someone who has been convicted of animal cruelty from simply acquiring more animals.
Prohibitions are enforced in part through public reporting and in part through BC SPCA Animal Protection Officers monitoring. Given the media attention that often follows a person's conviction of animal cruelty and ban on owning animals, we often find that neighbours or people living in the same community as the former animal owner are more than happy to report to us should this person obtain new animals. Our Animal Protection Officers also do random inspections when possible.
If you are aware of someone who has a ban and you know that they also own or care for an animal, please call the BC SPCA Animal Helpline: 1-855-622-7722.
Learn more about our cruelty investigations.