Courtesy of the BC SPCA:  http://www.spca.bc.ca/news-and-events/news/news-bcspca-unveils-plans-for-new-kamloops-community-animal-centre.html

The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) unveiled plans for its new Community Animals Centre in Kamloops at a special event on Nov. 25 at the Kamloops Art Gallery.

The Hon. Dr. Terry Lake, Minister of Health and MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson, the Hon. Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and MLA for Kamloops-South Thompson and BC SPCA Chief Executive Officer Craig Daniell were among the dignitaries and guests at the unveiling.

“We are extremely excited about the new centre and are grateful to the provincial government and all the generous animal lovers who are helping us make this urgently needed facility a reality,” said Daniell. The BC SPCA, a not-for-profit organization, served more than 43,000 abused, neglected, abandoned and injured animals last year, including 1,432 from Kamloops.

The new 9,700-square-foot Kamloops facility, to be located at 2815 Tranquille Road, will include a 2,200-square-foot spay/neuter clinic to help address the overwhelming pet overpopulation problem in the region. Daniell noted that the new centre will also incorporate modern designs to ensure the highest levels of health and welfare for animals, including 14 shared "apartments" for dogs to encourage natural movement and socialization, five large cat rooms, designated areas for temperament and behaviour assessments and specialized isolation areas for sick and injured animals. “The centre will also have a large retail area for pet supplies, a dog-wash station for the public, office space for regional animal cruelty investigators and a multi-purpose space for dog training, SPCA youth camps, workshops and other events for the community,” said Daniell.

“Pets give to us unconditionally,” noted Minister Stone. “This centre goes a long way to return the favour and ensure that our furry companions are receiving the care that they need.”

The new Kamloops facility is part of the BC SPCA’s eight-year Facilities Development & Services Plan to replace or refurbish 12 SPCA centres at a cost of $53.9 million. “We are extremely grateful to the Province of B.C. for their $5 million contribution to the initial phase of our capital campaign and to all those who have supported our work,” said Daniell.

“As a passionate advocate for animal health and animal protection, I am very proud of our government’s commitment to the SPCA that enables the organization to modernize facilities throughout the province,” said Minister Lake.

To date, the BC SPCA has secured nearly $4.38 million towards its goal of $4.8 million for the Kamloops facility. Donations to the Together We Care Campaign are still needed, however, to see this project to completion. “All gifts are welcome and an array of unique naming opportunities is also available,” says Kevin Watt, Kamloops manager of community development.       

To learn more about how you can support the new Kamloops Community Animal Centre, visit spca.bc.ca/ (give2gether.com) kamloopscares (give2gether.com) .