B.C. woman guilty of giving fentanyl to cat in euthanasia attempt

File photo of a B.C. SPCA animal protection officer. Photo by B.C. SPCA

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An Okanagan woman has pleaded guilty to animal cruelty charges after trying to euthanize her cat by injecting it with fentanyl.

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Jayme-Jo Crystal Brooks appeared in Kelowna Law Courts on May 29 to face a charge of administering a poisonous or injurious drug or substance to a domestic animal.

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The B.C. SPCA began investigating Brooks in December 2024 after learning of the euthanasia attempt.

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After a concerned veterinarian humanely euthanized the female cat, the B.C. SPCA animal help line got a call about the animal having been in critical distress. A necropsy showed the cat had been exposed to fentanyl.

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During a search, SPCA officers seized two other cats in Brooks’s care. “Both cats were found to have cocaine, amphetamines and methamphetamine in their systems.

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“One cat was happily adopted into a loving family,” said Jamie Wiltse, the regional manager for animal protection services. “However, the other unfortunately had severe underlying health concerns and was humanely euthanized upon the recommendation of veterinarians.”

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The B.C. SPCA, the only animal welfare organization that can investigate animal cruelty, recommended charges to Crown counsel. The guilty plea is a victory, Wiltse said, as it sets a precedent against at-home euthanasia that inflicts unnecessary suffering.

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“We often see charges go through at the provincial level under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals act, but this case was prosecuted under the Criminal Code of Canada.”

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The conviction “sends a stronger message and reflects a higher level of societal condemnation and accountability.” Unlike a provincial conviction, the federal one carries with it a criminal record, explained Wiltse.

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Brooks was hit with a five-year prohibition from owning, having custody or control of living with an animal or bird. She is also on a 12-month probation order with conditions, including having to attend counselling or educational programs, and must complete 30 hours of community service.

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The non-profit B.C. SPCA conducted 7,600 animal cruelty investigations in 2025. All of its work is covered by public donations. Anyone who is considering a donation can visit spca.bc.ca/support.

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If you are struggling to care for your animal or are considering the need for humane euthanasia, reach out to the SPCA help line at 1-855-622-7722.

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