LEGISLATION - Bill Proposed to Help Dogs in Hot Cars

The B.C. NDP are hopeful that the Christy Clark government will take a bill proposed to assist animals in distress seriously.

The Distressed Animal Act 2016 was proposed by New Democrat MLA Selena Robinson in last week’s legislature ‑ with the objective to be passed before summer – and would grant bylaw enforcement the authority to seize distressed animals from hot vehicles with improper ventilation, even breaking vehicles windows when necessary to do so.

“We cannot have another summer with animals dying while left alone in hot vehicles, it is time to act,” Robinson said last week, adding that the bill has widespread municipal support.

According to Robinson, the BC SPCA received 850 reports of animals left unattended in hot vehicles in 2013 and 1,000 reports in 2014.

While police officers have the authority to assist animals in distress, Robinson said these resources may be better spent elsewhere; presently, the 26 BC SPCA animal protection officers often have to call on the police to assist with animals in hot cars.

The legislation would amend the Motor Vehicle Act, the Community Charter and Vancouver Charter to ensure safer transportation of animals in vehicles and would require that animals are provided with proper ventilation and protection from extreme weather when being transported or are left unattended in vehicles.

According to the bill, adequate ventilation means access to airflow through a space of at least 500 cm squared; and extreme temperature is defined as 27 degrees Celsius or higher in an enclosed space; temperatures above that can feel like more than twice that hot to a dog in a confined space with no airflow.

The B.C. SPCA has a section devoted to pets in hot cars on their website, outlining the dos and don’ts over leaving pets unattended in (hot) vehicles, including emergency veterinary care resources and symptoms that pets are experiencing heat stroke.

They caution pet owners to not rely on air conditioning systems in vehicles, which can malfunction when left unattended.

By Lindsay Seewalt

Lindsay is an experienced journalist and mother of three whose heart and home is always open to a four-legged friend. With her Corgi, Angie, as household editor-in-chief, Lindsay gives back to the animal planet through the written word on anything and all ado about pets. She is passionate about topics regarding animal welfare and responsible pet ownership, which she aims to instill in both her readers and children to be compassionate animal lovers who are conscious and considerate that furry friends around the globe deserve a voice.

B.C. Government to Strengthen Laws Governing Cat and Dog Breeding

The B.C. government recently announced it is beefing up its animal cruelty laws to better safeguard vulnerable cats and dogs from irresponsible commercial breeders.

Under its Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, the province will set out rules outlining stringent practices for breeders in both kennel and cattery operations.

“Animal cruelty is unacceptable,” says Premier Christy Clark. “We’re taking another step towards stopping those cat and dog breeders who don’t provide adequate care. Together with the BC SPCA and key stakeholders, we will develop a system that supports responsible pet breeders in B.C., and targets the ones that aren’t.”

Housing, ventilation, food and water, care and supervision, as well as behavioural needs, socialization and transportation will be covered under the Codes of Practice, which enhances existing rules and sees B.C. boast the toughest provincial penalties in Canada aimed at protecting animals.

Under the Act, charges can be laid against anyone who causes suffering or distress to an animal with those convicted facing maximum penalties of $75,000 and up to 24 months imprisonment.

“British Columbians deserve the certainty that companion animals sold in our province are born and raised in a secure, caring environment, and we will be bringing in changes to help ensure it,” Jane Thornthwaite, MLA for North Vancouver-Seymour says. “We’ll be working with the BC SPCA, veterinarians, reputable breeders, and other stakeholders to see how we can best target commercial dog and cat breeders who do not provide appropriate care to animals.”

Legislation highlights include requiring “prompt and adequate veterinary care (be) provided” for dogs who are “sick, injured, in pain or suffering” - and for cats, “veterinary care is provided at the first indication that the animal is not well.”

It also calls for daily cleaning and sanitizing, minimal spacing requirements for housing for dogs and cats and requires written procedures for animal care be posted and thus available to personnel at all times.

The rules rely on the Canadian Veterinary MedicalAssociation’s Codes of Practice for both kennel and cattery operations as generally accepted management practices for cat and dog breeders in the province – a move commended by Craig Daniell, chief executive officer of the BC SPCA. “British Columbians are passionate about animal welfare. Recent events have reinforced the public’s desire for regulation of breeders to prevent animal suffering,” he says.

Consultations are underway to look at everything from breeder licensing and inspection regulations in the development of new laws to assist the SPCA monitor and take action against irresponsible breeders.

Legislation amendments are anticipated in 2017.

While the government encourages people to report any events which may be in contravention of laws and regulations, Catherine King, breeder and owner of Splendent Standard Poodles, says citizens can play a part in preventing animal abuse “by only purchasing from recognized breeders who treat their animals with the love, care and respect they deserve.”

In 2011, the province introduced enhancements to animal cruelty laws with higher penalties and greater accountability stemming from the reported mass killings of 100 sled dogs.

By Nadia Moharib
Nadia Moharib is an animal lover who has adopted everything from birds to hamsters, salamanders, rabbits, fish and felines. She has written about all-things-pets for years and was a long-time editor of a pet magazine in a daily newspaper which featured a Q & A column, Ask Whit, penned by her pooch (ghost written, of course.) The serial dog owner lives in Calgary, Alberta and most days can be found at a dog park picking up after her rescue pooch, Scoots.

Pets Plus Us Talks National Cupcake Day

With National Cupcake Day just two weeks from today, fundraising is well underway across the country. Individuals and businesses have been hosting cupcake sales for their local humane societies and SPCAs. 

Sponsors are an integral part of any fundraising event. Pets Plus Us, Gold Sponsor of National Cupcake Day, is a great example of the value of corporate support.

Randy Valpy & Bruin

This week on the Ontario SPCA's Animals' Voice podcast, Randy Valpy, 'Top Dog' at Pets Plus Us, shares why the company got involved with event and how they plan to celebrate it in their office. 

Listen to the podcast!

It's not too late to register, start baking and raise funds to support homeless, abused and injured animals. There are even great fundraising prizes for the top individual, community team and corporate team.

4th Annual National Cupcake Day

It's become an award-winning and successful fundraising event across Canada. This year, National Cupcake Day is February 29th.

Spearheaded by the BCSPCA and Ontario SPCA, the event raises funds to support homeless, abused and injured animals in Canadian humane societies and SPCAs by encouraging participants to bake cupcakes for others in exchange for a donation. 



“What I love about Cupcake Day is that it’s so easy to get involved,” says BCSPCA National Cupcake Day spokesperson and self-proclaimed bungling baker, Kristina Matisic. “Cupcakes are pretty simple to bake. Trust me, if I can pull it off, anyone can.”

Participants who register before January 31st and raise $50 will be automatically entered to win a KitchenAid Stand Mixer. Registration is free and can be accessed HERE.

National Cupcake Day 2015 took place February 23rd and included 106 participating animal welfare organizations from across the country who raised $550,000.

British Columbia Bans Ear Cropping

British Columbia joins most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Newfoundland, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia by banning cosmetic ear cropping of dogs. Ear cropping is considered to be an unethical practice and any person that continues to crop ears will receive disciplinary action.

College of Veterinarians of British Columbia’s (CVBC) College Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Larry Odegard said, “Ear cropping is an unnecessary procedure unless carried out in cases of injury or for reasons of health concerns.” There are no known welfare or medical benefits from ear cropping and there are known behavioural consequences; specifically communication with people and other dogs.

Several breed associations are against the ban stating that purebred breeds will not be saved for future generations if their ears were not cropped. Veterinarians and scientists have stated that cosmetic surgery is a human alteration and is unwarranted. Odegard said, “Veterinarians have an ethical responsibility to the animals they treat. Ear cropping goes against that responsibility.” The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is also against canine cosmetic surgery. The CVMA regularly encourages breed associations to change their breed standards so that cosmetic surgeries no longer occur. In the United Kingdom, dogs with cropped ears are prohibited from competing.

The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ CEO, Craig Daniell said, “For nearly two decades we have been on record opposing procedures such as tail docking, ear cropping, devocalization and declawing that impact an animal’s ability to experience good welfare and to express natural behaviours.”

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

How the BC SPCA is Addressing Community Cat Overpopulation

A survey in the United States of 1,011 people revealed that the surveyed Americans prefer the trap-neuter-return (TNR) approach to control the population of unowned “community” cats. The TNR initiatives in the United States have had a high success rate because they reflect community values. More details on the survey can be found here.

British Columbia has suffered with feline overpopulation for many years which the BC SPCA has been tackling along with rescue groups, humane organizations, veterinarians, and other animal lovers. TNR is one of the ways British Columbia is trying to reduce the feral cat population. Feral cats can often suffer from illness, injuries, starvation, frostbite, and predator attacks. Amy Morris (BC SPCA Policy and Outreach Officer) feels that Canadian attitudes towards community cats are similar to those found in the United States. Morris states, “Many cat lovers provide food, water and shelter for the cruelly abandoned felines, but they lack the financial resources to pay for spay and neuter surgeries.”

In 2014, $80,000 was allocated towards helping community cats and another $80,000 will be allocated in 2015. The BC SPCA is dedicated towards the success of their initiative and is ensuring that all of the cats in a colony or community are sterilized. This success is possible due to help from the communities themselves. Morris says. “They [communities] have shown that by working together, British Columbians are capable of solving the problem of cat overpopulation.”

READ THE BC SPCA NEWS ARTICLE HERE

BC SPCA success in combating the 'cat crisis'

The British Columbia SPCA funded a record number of spay and neuter surgeries for cats in communities across the province in 2014. 

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A major focus on the BC SPCA's five-year Strategic Plan is ensuring every cat in B.C. has a loving home, yet there are tens of thousands of felines across the province who live outdoors, facing several predators and dangers. With a total of 4,600 surgeries in 2014, the organization has more than doubled its surgeries since 2012 (2,150). 

"It is such great news," said Amy Morris, BC SPCA policy and outreach officer. "While we can't control the number of cats who are abandoned or born outside, we certainly do our best to reduce those numbers, which ultimately means far fewer cats who don't have warm, loving homes." 

To help combat British Columbia's cat crisis, the BC SPCA works with donors, volunteers, veterinarians, partner organizations and cat advocates through several community programs designed to help spay and neuter outdoor cats, among many other initiatives. 

READ THE NEWS RELEASE 

Spay/Neuter grants now available for British Columbia

The BC SPCA is offering spay/neuter grants to the province's communities to help address the issue of pet overpopulation. Through several private donations designated to the BC SPCA for spay/neuter programs, the society is providing $87,500 in grants in 2015 - $80,000 or cats and $7,500 for dogs and rabbits. 

Now in its third year, the program allocates funds to registered animal charities and non-profits, municipalities, veterinarians, BC SPCA branches, First Nations governments and First Nations tribal councils. Successful applicants must meet specific criteria and be able to administer the grant. 

The BC SPCA spends $2 million annually on spay/neuter initiatives across the province, including the provision of free and low-cost spay/neuter operations through SPCA clinics in Vancouver, Prince George and Kamloops. Addressing the massive homeless cat issue in B.C. is a major focus of the BC SPCA's five-year Strategive Plan says Executive Director, Craig Daniell. 

The deadline to apply for a BC SPCA grant is Dec. 31, 2014. For more information, visit www.spca.bc.ca. 

BC SPCA earns top-rated, “four stars” from Charity Intelligence Canada

The BC SPCA received national recognition last week when it was awarded four stars - the highest rating possible - in Charity Intelligence Canada's annual list of top charities announced today. 

Charity Intelligence Canada assesses hundreds of non-profit organizations across the country. The BC SPCA is one of only 109 Canadian charities and the only animal welfare organization, accredited by Imagine Canada for demonstrated excellence in financial accountability and transparency, board governance, fundraising, staff management and volunteer involvement. 

READ THE NEWS RELEASE

"The BC SPCA is able to carry out its work on behalf of abused, injured and homeless animals through the generosity of individuals, businesses, foundations and others in the community who support us," said Craig Daniell, BC SPCA CEO. "It is extremely important to us to be able to demonstrate that these donations are being stewarded as effectively as possible." 

For more information, visit www.charityintelligence.ca

BC SPCA launches online emergency fund to save animal lives

The BC SPCA recently launched an addition to its website providing the public an opportunity to donate money to help care for injured or abused animals. 

The new site (www.spca.bc.ca/medicalemergency) profiles injured animals currently in the SPCA's care and encourages donors to become a part of their treatment and rehabilitation. The site will also post recovery updates so donors can see the difference their contribution has made. 

"The BC SPCA care for more than 25,000 injured, abused and abandoned animals every year across the province," said Shoni Field, director of fundraising operations and innovation for the BC SPCA. "Many of the animals require extensive - and expensive - emergency medical care and treatment, often exceeding the funds available in a shelter's regular medical budget. Our online site is a way for us to connect injured animals with compassionate individuals who help us save lives by donating to an animal's care."

READ THE NEWS RELEASE

Pacific Innovation Showcases Revealed!

Urban Animal communities across the Pacific North America are well served by the Innovators in that region. Dedicated and relentless efforts to create healthy communities for pets and people extracted an exciting 2014 Innovation Showcase lineup for the Vancouver Conference. 

Online Pet Sales – Ryan Cochrane (BuySellTrade.ca)

Imagine: an online classified site converting to adoption-only postings from humane and rescue.

Going Green – Bob Busch (BCSPCA)

Imagine: developing a gold level LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accredited animal shelter to improve sustainable sheltering across the continent.

Drives for Lives – Iris Ting (BC SPCA)

Imagine: a transportation network that moves animals between adoption centres to connect demand with supply.

Paws for Hope - Kathy Powelson

Imagine: an animal welfare foundation that brings education, beds, food and veterinary care to local stakeholders.

Culture Clash - Kim Marosevich

Imagine: eliminating the judgment and beliefs that keep us from working together.

Industry Messaging - Andrea McDonald

Imagine: a collaboration that unifies service providers and brings community-wide support to all pet owners. 

To register for a Conference in your region, CLICK HERE. 

If you have not received an affiliate voucher code (valued at $100 towards Conference Subscription), please contact Lisa Milton at 403-809-4630 or Shannon Woodward at 403-208-1972. 

National Cupcake Day a becomes nationally recognized success!

The second annual National Cupcake Day in Canada raised over $465,000 and attracted the attention of the Canadian Public Relations Society who recognized the event with two ACE (Achieving Communications Excellence) Awards.

The Ontario SPCA and Strategic Objectives announced last week that National Cupcake Day for SPCAs and Humane Societies is the recipient of the Best Use of Special Events and Best Use of Social Media Relations ACE Awards.

"What excites me is the most important aspect of this campaign - for the first time, animal welfare organizations are working together to change animals' lives," said Marc Ralsky, Director of Community & Donor Development, Ontario SPCA.

The annual CPRS National Awards of Excellence recognize and reward outstanding public relations programs and projects from across the country. Winners will be recognized at CRRS Awards Gala dinner on May 27, 2014 at the CPRS National Conference.

National Cupcake Day 2014 took place February 24 and included 59 participating animal welfare organizations from across the country.

BC SPCA’s five-year plan focuses on cats

The BC SPCA's new Strategic Plan for 2014-2018 has a primary focus on helping the province address its overwhelming cat crisis, according to chief executive officer Craig Daniell. 

Daniell said the BC SPCA and other animal welfare groups have taken major steps in the past several decades to help communities reduce the number of surplus cats but that more needs to be done. 

"The BC SPCA has invested millions of dollars in low-cost spay/neuter programs, the creation of spay/neuter clinics and a wide range of other programs and services to significantly reduce the number of feral and abandoned cats in B.C.," said Daniell. "In our new Strategic Plan, we are ramping up these efforts and proposing creative ways to partner with local governments, veterinarians, businesses, rescue groups and members of the public to save more animal lives." 

The objective of the Strategic Plan is to help create humane communities by offering greater support in areas such as education, cruelty prevention and advocacy. The Plan also addresses opportunities to combat animal cruelty and suffering in B.C. 

READ THE NEWS RELEASE

Feral cat clinics offered in BC communities

The BC SPCA is offering free spay/neuter clinics for feral cats in Vancouver, Prince George and Kamloops beginning 23 February 2014. The efforts are a part of the society's efforts to reduce pet overpopulation in B.C. 

Several B.C. communities suffer from cat overpopulation and the BC SPCA has used many approaches over the years to combat this. Spay/Neuter grants, grassroots community meetings and feral cat clinics are some of the most successful initiatives to date. 

Clinic dates: 
Vancouver - February 23
Kamloops - March 12
Prince George - March 14

READ THE NEWS RELEASE

2014 National Cupcake Day

Registration has begun for 2014 National Cupcake Day.

A massive undertaking powered by the BC SPCA and the Ontario SPCA last year resulted in a nation-wide collaboration of humane societies and SPCAs and raised over $400,000 for local societies. 

National Cupcake Day was originally founded by the Royal SPCA in Australia where it has successfully raised over $1 million. The event raises funds to support homeless, abused and injured animals in Canadian humane societies and SPCAs by encouraging participants to bake cupcakes for others in exchange for a donation. 

Nearly 50 organizations across the country have registered to join in the 2014 campaign which will take place Monday, February 24, 2014. Registration for the event is free and be accessed HERE. 

Joe Coffin accepts Acting Exec. Director of CHS position

Joe Coffin

The Calgary Humane Society is committed to building a strong, effective and engaged management team and their appointment of Joe Coffin to the positing of Acting Executive Director/General Manager of Operations, proves this dedication. 

Joe has been with the CHS for eight years and has a passion for the well-being of animals and the success of the Society. It is this passion which has earned him the trust and respect of his colleagues. 

"Joe has been able to provide our team at CHS with the stability and direction it needs while the organization is undergoing change," says Christy Thompson, general manager of Community Relations. "Joe has the ability to lead by example and give the CHS team the confidence to move forward, even during times of evolution. I am proud to be working alongside someone who believes so strongly in the vision of CHS." 

Former CHS Executive Director, Mark Takhar, has returned to the British Columbia SPCA to assume the role of Chief Operations Officer. 

BC SPCA to provide spay/neuter grants to BC communities in 2014

The BC SPCA is offering $87,500 in spay/neuter grants in 2014 to help communities across British Columbia address pet overpopulation concerns. 

Now in its second year, the program allocates funds to registered animal charities and non-profits, municipalities, veterinarians, BC SPCA branches, First Nations governments and First Nations tribal councils. Of this funding, $80,000 is designated for cats and $7,500 for dogs and rabbits. 

Successful applicants for this program must meet specific criteria and be able to administer the grant. The deadline to apply is Feb. 21, 2014.  

READ THE NEWS RELEASE

DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION GUIDE

Remembering Animals of War

This Remembrance Day, we remember and honour the men and women who have risked or lost their lives in times of war. While doing so, we also recognize the contriubtions and sacrifices of the millions of war animals. 

BC SPCA - Remembering the Animals of War

The Mascot (3rd Canadian Infantry Battalion)Photo Credit

Dogs of war: canines key to saving lives in Afghan war

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Library and Archives Canada
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Library and Archives Canada
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BC SPCA announces $157,920 grant to reduce homeless cat population in Campbell River

The BC SPCA announced last week it received another grant from PetSmart Charities of Canada for the spaying and neutering of cats in Campbell River. 

The $157,920 grant will fund a program to sterilize at least 1,500 cats over the next two years which, according to BC SPCA CEO Craig Daniell, will prevent the birth and suffering of as many as 6,000 homeless kittens per year in Campbell River. The surgeries, which will be offered free of charge to low-income pet owners and community cat caretakers, also include a permanent identification tattoo. 

"Cat overpopulation is one of the most serious animal welfare issues facing communities across B.C. and Campbell River has one of the largest populations of stray and feral cats anywhere in the province," said Daniell. "We are extremely grateful to PetSmart Charities of Canada for allowing us to work with cat guardians in Campbell River to reduce the suffering of unwanted and abandoned cats in the regions. 

Daniell notes the BC SPCA spends nearly $2 million each year on low-cost spay/neuter initiatives in B.C. communities and targets communities with the most serious overpopulation. 

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BC SPCA appoints new manager for Campbell River Education & Adoption Centre

The BC SPCA is one step closer to re-establishing its operations in Campbell River. Stephanie Arkwright, long-time staff member of the Campbell River SPCA, has been hired as the new manager of the Society's Education & Adoption Centre, effective 16 September. 

"We are confident that having a full-time manager in place will help us expedite the process of finding a new location so that w can reopen as soon as possible," said Craig Daniell, CEO of the BC SPCA. He notes that the SPCA has been seeking a new location since March 2013. In addition to reviewing prospective sites for the SPCA, Arkwright will be hiring and training staff and reaching out to volunteers, businesses and supporters. 

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