Vancouver, B.C. (May 22, 2025) – The numbers are staggering. The BC SPCA’s Animal Protection Services conducts more than 7,000 animal cruelty investigations a year, and those are the crimes that were reported. How many cases go unreported?
Animal cruelty is a crime. Yet many people hesitate to report abuse when the perpetrator is someone they know – a friend, a neighbour, or even a family member.
May is designated as “Be Kind to Animals Month” to highlight the ongoing need to keep animals from harm. If you suspect an animal is being abused, please report it to the BC SPCA Animal Helpline 1.855.622.7722, local police or RCMP – or if you want to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers.
“Certainly, we welcome anonymous tips from anyone with information about this kind of animal cruelty and will pass them directly to the BC SPCA so its team of 30 full-time Special Provincial Constables can investigate,” says Linda Annis, Executive Director of Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers. “Under a working partnership, information about animal cruelty received by Crime Stoppers is passed to the BC SPCA which has the authority to enforce BC’s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and animal cruelty sections of the Criminal Code of Canada. However, your anonymity is guaranteed, you won’t be called back, you will not be asked to go to court, and you may be eligible for a cash award of up to $5,000.”
Animal cruelty usually results from:
• Neglect – the failure to meet an animal’s fundamental needs, such as: food, water, shelter and veterinary care. Neglect may be due to unintentional ignorance on the animal owner’s part. The owner is typically required to correct the situation.
• Intentional cruelty – the deliberate infliction of pain, suffering, or harm on an animal. This includes acts such as maiming, torturing, or killing. Intentional cruelty also extends to knowingly depriving an animal of essential care such as fresh water, food, or shelter.
About Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers
Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers is a non-profit society and registered charity that receives anonymous tip information about criminal activity and provides it to investigators. Anonymous tips may be provided through Crime Stoppers’ downloadable “P3” smartphone app, calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at solvecrime.ca, or by following the link on the Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers Facebook page.
Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers accepts tips in 115 different languages and will pay a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest, a charge, recovery of stolen property, seizure of illegal drugs or guns, or denial of a fraudulent insurance claim. Find MVCS on X: @solvecrime, Instagram: metrovancouvercrimestoppersand You Tube: @metrovancouvercrimestoppers.
