The BC SPCA is full of budgies and is looking for temporary foster homes for the birds. More than 100 budgies were surrendered to the SPCA’s care in August following an animal welfare investigation in West Kelowna. “The keeper was unable to properly care for such a large number of birds, resulting in many health and hygiene issues,” BC SPCA senior officer Eileen Drever said on August 25. The budgies are currently being cared for at the BC SPCA Community Animal Centers in the Interior, Kootenays, Greater Vancouver and Fraser Valley regions. “The budgies are partway through a mandatory 30-day quarantine period required due to the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the province,” said Lorie Chortyk, general manager of communications for the BC SPCA. “Once the quarantine period is over they will be ready for adoption, but in the meantime we are looking for volunteers who can help us with temporary housing and care in foster or foster homes.” She adds that because of the quarantine, budgies must go to foster homes without other birds, and the foster must be willing to wear PPE when handling or interacting with the birds. Photo: BC SPCA
