Vulnerable animals in northern B.C. will receive the care they need, thanks to an investment of approximately $1.5 million made by the B.C. government to upgrade the BC Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) facility in Prince George.

Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond joined with representatives from the BC SPCA to announce the contribution as part of the $5 million the Province announced earlier this week. The funding will go towards the construction of a new facility in Prince George as part of the second phase of the BC SPCA’s eight-year Facilities Development and Service Plan to replace or renovate aging shelters in B.C. communities.

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The Prince George BC SPCA facility serves as the primary companion and large animal seizure centre for the Cariboo region. The funding will allow for a much needed facility expansion and will include a community animal centre for seized pets and a barn for larger seized animals. The centre will also enhance youth education programming and create opportunities for the BC SPCA to offer sought after programs such as obedience training and pet first-aid.

The B.C. government recognizes and values the important work of the BC SPCA and its contributions to the welfare of animals. Today’s funding builds on the $5 million previously announced in Balanced Budget 2015 to support the first phase of the BC SPCA’s Facilities Plan, and supports the Province’s commitment to working with the BC SPCA to address animal welfare issues throughout the province.

Phase 1 funding supported a large-animal seizure facility that opened in Kelowna in March 2015, and last June, a new state-of-the-art BC SPCA facility opened its doors in Nanaimo. Recently, plans were unveiled for a new community animal centre in Kamloops to help address the overwhelming pet population in the area.

The BC SPCA’s mission is to protect and enhance the quality of life for domestic, farm and wild animals in B.C. The not-for-profit organization has been serving animals in need for more than 120 years, caring for neglected, abused and homeless animals and offering a wide range of outreach, education and advocacy programs to promote the welfare of animals.

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Quotes:

Shirley Bond, Prince George-Valemount MLA –  

"We are very proud to be investing in the Prince George BC SPCA facility. Whether it is caring for vulnerable animals or education programs for children, the BC SPCA does a great job here in Prince George and around the province. The increased capacity will add space to care for larger seized animals as well as additional space for seized pets. Thank you to the BC SPCA for giving animals the care they deserve."

Mike Morris, Prince George-Mackenzie MLA –

“The BC SPCA has always provided a tremendous service in our community and a new facility will replace one that is run-down, outdated and not really designed to accommodate the modern needs of different animals in care. This investment will ensure a bright future for a long time to come.”

Jamie Walsh, North Cariboo District branch manager, BC SPCA –

“Working for the BC SPCA, we are dedicated to protecting the Province’s vulnerable animals. With this funding from the government, we can continue to improve our facilities, offering a safe haven for big and small animals needing care and attention.”  

Learn More:

More information on the BC SPCA can be found at: http://www.spca.bc.ca/