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By LeRae Haynes

The SPCA shelter takes in animals for a variety of reasons. They may be strays, pets ‘surrendered’ to the shelter, animals abandoned during a drug bust, or pets from other areas that have been seized due to an animal cruelty investigation.

Whatever the reason, the staff members at the shelter work hard to care for the animals, and where possible, help find them good homes. The shelter is dependant on the generosity of the community and on volunteers to keep its doors open, and shelter Manager Liz Dighton says that there are great opportunities right now for new volunteers. 

“We need people to help with fundraisers and awareness: people willing to inspire and organize other people for things like raffles, BBQs and car washes,” she explained.

“For example, Burgess Plumbing and Heating is holding a Customer Appreciation Day on September 12, and they have donated a BBQ for us to raffle off to raise funds for the shelter. We need someone to volunteer to sell the tickets!

“We need someone to donate a couple of hours on a Saturday or Sunday to help raise money: that’s how our shelter stays open,” she continued. “Come and help us speak for those who can’t speak for themselves.’”

On Friday, August 28 there were 8 strays at the SPCA shelter. Liz explained that one of the main reasons that animals become strays is that they’re not ‘fixed’, and that when they are brought to the shelter, the animals are often confused and can be dangerous. “This is a service that we offer the community: helping to reunite strays with their owners.

“We place notices in local newspapers and radio, and always hold the animals longer than required, hoping that the owners will come and get them.  We always have at least two strays a week at the shelter, and always after thunderstorms,” she said. “To dog owners, I would say, ‘Please, watch the weather!’ If your dog has gone missing, check the BCSPCA website for photos and descriptions of strays at the local shelter, or give them a phone call.”

Liz said that animals seized because of a cruelty investigation are sent to out-of-area shelters. “When we get an animal cruelty complaint, we enter all the information into the computer and send for a special provincial SPCA officer, who has training not unlike an RCMP officer. They respond to the complaint, and make the initial contact with the animal owner.

“The first plan is to educate the owner. The officer makes every effort to get the owner to make the necessary changes. The second step is a repeat visit for follow-up, and if the situation is unchanged, they will issue legal orders to the owner. If the next follow-up visit shows that the changes haven’t been made, legal proceedings are started,” she said.

“If the animal is deemed critically distressed, or the situation is urgent, the officer can get a telephone warrant and have the animal seized within hours.

“People who have had an animal seized are usually negligent, and don’t seem to care that their pet has been taken away: they’ll just go get another one. Some owners, though, will fight tooth and nail to get the animal back.”

Becoming a volunteer at the SPCA can give you rewarding opportunities---from making a donation of Canadian Tire money, toys, blankets or money to help with medical expenses, to helping with fundraising events.

“Our big annual fundraiser is coming up on September 30—Paws for a Cause in Boitanio Park. More than anything, I want people with dogs coming out, getting walk-a-thon pledge sheets, and bugging all their neighbours and friends to raise money," Liz said. "The walkers can win wonderful prizes, while supporting their animal friends."

For more information about how you can help, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone 250-392-2179.

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