Woman who used fentanyl to kill cat sentenced in Kelowna

Jayme Wiltse calls it “a huge victory for animal welfare in Canada.”

The BC SPCA’s regional manager of animal protection services is talking about Jayme-Jo Crystal Brooks’ recent conviction for animal cruelty under the Criminal Code of Canada.

"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,” Wiltse explained.

“A criminal code conviction sends a stronger message and reflects a higher level of societal condemnation and accountability, and is typically reserved for the most serious cases.”

Brooks pleaded guilty to charges against her on May 29, 2026, in Kelowna Provincial Court.

According to the BC SPCA, the December 2024 investigation began after Brooks attempted to euthanize her cat by injecting her with fentanyl.

After humanely euthanizing the cat, who the BC SPCA says was in “critical distress,” a concerned veterinarian reported the incident.

A necropsy ordered by the BC SPCA revealed the fentanyl exposure, which led to a search warrant being executed at Brooks’ home and the other two cats in her care being seized.

“Both cats were found to have cocaine, amphetamines, and methamphetamine in their systems,” a BC SPCA release noted.

“One cat was happily adopted into a loving family; however, the other unfortunately had severe underlying health concerns and was humanely euthanized upon the recommendation of veterinarians.”

The BC SPCA recommended animal cruelty charges to the Crown, leading to Brooks’ animal cruelty conviction that is said to set a precedent against at-home euthanasia practices.

“Unlike a provincial offence conviction, a conviction under the criminal code carries the consequence of a criminal record,” Wiltse added.

Brooks received a five-year prohibition from owning, having the custody or control of, or residing in the same premises as an animal or a bird.

She’s also now under a probation order for 12 months with several conditions in place, which includes 30 hours of community service work and a mandate to engage in counselling or education programs.