Nova Scotia SPCA saves more than 11,000 animals in 2012

Nova Scotia SPCA releases 2012 year end report 

Through investigations and intake, the Nova Scotia SPCA saved more than 11,000 animals in 2012. The organization's year end report, released last week, cited a provincial adoption rate of more than 90% of the 6,000 plus animals admitted to provincial shelters and investigated 1,632 complaints affecting 5,084 animals. 

According to the report, the Society continues to respond to an exceptionally high call volume. In excess of 18,000 inquiries and complaints regarding the welfare of companion animals in the province of Nova Scotia were received by the provincial office in 2012.

"Through investigations and through intake via our network of branches, the Nova Scotia SPCA saved 11,002 animals in 2012, a staggering increase of 37%," said NSSPCA executive director, Kristin Williams. "The society maintains a 91% live release rate, which we attribute to our robust transfer program, palliative care foster program and an active off-site adoption program in partnership with a variety of retailers."

In addition, the report detailed a number of initiatives undertaken by the Society in 2012 to provide long-term financial sustainability. 

"Many of these strategies are innovative and will morph the SPCA into a hybrid organization, more akin to a social enterprise, which is a cutting edge non-profit fiscal strategy," said Williams. 

In an effort to broaden the reach of the SPCA, the Society partnered with a number of retailers to provide off-site adoption opportunities. This strategy won the NSSPCA a Summit for Animal Homing at the 2012 International Summit for Urban Animal Strategies.

Other initiatives include partnering with the Department of Justice to offer a canine therapy program to assist both dogs and offenders, opening a veterinary clinic as part of its shelter in Halifax and partnering with the province's lead wind engineer to develop a sustainable and long-term income.  

READ THE REPORT

About the Nova Scotia SPCA:
Over the last three years, the NSSPCA has increased live release rates from 65% to 91% province-wide an established NS as the only No Kill province in Canada. The Society achieved a 100% conviction rate for companion animal cruelty investigations. The SPCA has also been recognized as a leader in animal welfare internationally with seven industry awards in the categories of Wellness (2010), Leadership (2010), Sheltering (2010), Communications (2011), Media (2011), Homing (2012) and Volunteerism (2012).