BCFIRB can review decisions made by the B.C. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) about whether to keep seized animals or charge owners for their care. This authority comes from the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCAA).
Appeal an animal custody decision
You may be able to appeal if the BC SPCA has:
- Taken your animals because of distress or abandonment, and
- Decided not to return them or to charge you for their care
Before you appeal to BCFIRB, you usually need to ask the BC SPCA to review its decision. If you’re only disputing care costs, you can skip that step and appeal directly to BCFIRB.
To start an appeal, you must complete and submit the Notice of Appeal form, and submit a $100 fee. Both must arrive by the deadlines. If your appeal is accepted, you will be invited to present your case at a tribunal hearing.
Not sure if your situation qualifies?
Contact BCFIRB to ask about the appeal process.
You have limited time to act
Most appeals must be submitted in writing within 4 calendar days of receiving the BC SPCA’s decision. If you miss the deadline, BCFIRB cannot accept your appeal.
Follow the appeal process
If you want your animals returned to you, you must first ask the BC SPCA to review their decision. If you’re only disputing costs or fees, you may skip this step.
Submit a Notice of Appeal to BCFIRB within 4 calendar days of the BC SPCA’s review or costs decision. You must also include a $100 filing fee.
Learn about the next steps, including sharing documents and pre-hearing meetings.
Organize your evidence and any witnesses who can support your case.
Before the hearing, learn what to expect, how to present your evidence, and how hearings are run.
After the hearing, you’ll receive a written decision. The decision will explain what happens next and any costs you need to pay.
What happens to your animal during the appeal
Once you file an appeal, the BC SPCA cannot sell, rehome or euthanize your animal until BCFIRB makes a final decision.
You may still be responsible for care costs while the appeal is ongoing.
Current and past appeals
View past appeal decisions
Explore the outcome of past animal custody appeals.
View current appeal status
View the status of ongoing animal custody appeals.
Dispute BCFIRB’s decision
Learn what options you have if you disagree with the hearing outcome.
Resources
Forms and guides
- Notice of Appeal Form (PDF, 274KB)
- PCAA Witness Contact Form (PDF, 59KB)
- PCAA Expert Witness Form (PDF, 130KB)
- Appellant guide (PDF) (coming soon)
- Appeal flowchart (PDF) (coming soon)
- Appeal process − Fact sheet (PDF, 335KB)
- Preparing for a hearing (PDF, 230KB)
Find an answer
Deciding whether to appeal
Organizing your case
Presenting at the hearing
Requesting process changes
Responding to the decision
Get support
BCFIRB is here to guide you. If you’re unsure whether you can appeal or have questions about what applies to your situation, contact us. We’ll help you understand your options and next steps.