Penticton resident with history of 'hoarding' cats surrenders 30 more animals to SPCA

An resident of Penticton, B.C., has surrendered 30 "suffering" cats and kittens to the SPCA bringing the total number of animals they've given up over the past three years to nearly 200.

The person, who hasn't been identified, had their latest run-in with the B.C. SPCA onWednesday.

A statement said the 30 felines given up that day were"suffering from upper respiratory infections and other medical issues" and will need extensive veterinarycare.

Spokesperson Lorie Chortyk said many of the cats arefearful of people.

"Most of the cats are six months or younger, so we're hoping that they will respond well to the veterinary treatment and rehabilitation," Chortyk wrote in a statement.

The South Okanagan-Similkameenbranch of the SPCA is caring for 18 of the surrendered animals. Twelvehave been transferred to the Kelownabranch.

Chortyk said the individual has given up 194 cats over the past three years 111 last October and53 more in 2017 and 2016.

"It's extremely challenging dealing with hoarders because unless they get the help they need, the same issues arise again and again, and the animals suffer as a result," said Chortyk.

"It's just a very sad situation."

Chortyk saidthe SPCA doesn't have the authority to order the person to stop owning cats and that such a restrictionwould need to come from a court judge.

Rehabilitated cats would be put up for adoption, she added.