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A generic image of a sick cat (not associated with this particular story) (Image Credit: BC SPCA)
animal cruelty

Woman convicted after injecting cat with fentanyl

Jun 10, 2026 | 6:01 PM

An extraordinary act of animal cruelty has been prosecuted in Kelowna court.

Jayme-Jo Brooks has been banned from animal ownership for five years after injecting her cat with fentanyl in an attempt to euthanize it.

A vet then had to humanely put the cat down.

A subsequent search of Brook’s home found two other cats had been given cocaine, amphetamines, and methamphetamine, one of which had to be euthanized.

In a media release the BC SPCA said a concerned veterinarian called their Animal Helpline to report the cat was in critical distress after humanely euthanizing her. A necropsy ordered by the BC SPCA revealed fentanyl exposure had occurred.

The BC SPCA executed a search warrant and seized two other cats in Brooks’ care. Both cats were found to have cocaine, amphetamines, and methamphetamine in their systems. One cat was happily adopted into a loving family; however, the other unfortunately had severe underlying health concerns and and was humanely euthanized upon the recommendation of veterinarians.

“This is a huge victory for animal welfare in Canada,” said Jamie Wiltse, regional manager, animal protection services.

“We often see charges go through at the provincial level under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) act, but this case was prosecuted under the Criminal Code of Canada. A criminal code conviction sends a stronger message and reflects a higher level of societal condemnation and accountability, and are typically reserved for the most serious cases. Unlike a provincial offence conviction, a conviction under the criminal code carries the consequence of a criminal record.”

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