A petition with almost 2,500 signatures is calling on a Coquitlam seniors home to let residents keep their cats.
The document, titled "Stop the removal of companion cats at Burquitlam Lions Care Home HELP," states that cats have been permitted at the facility for 12 years but that the administration has decided to remove the felines, many of which have lived there since they were kittens.
The petition argues management is not listening to residents or advocates who are in favour of keeping the cats.
Resident Phyllis Anderson told CTV her cat Smokey provides her with company and comfort.
The cat is one of five live-in animals that came to the home as part of a pet therapy program that began in the 1990's, according to the network.
A letter sent by the care home's board said that the cats are old, that fecal matter has been found around the facility and that some staff and residents are allergic to the animals.
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