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animal welfare
Dog found running loose with muzzle taped shut in care of B.C. SPCA
When Buttercup – a yellow Labrador mix – was found running loose in Comox it was…
Volunteers picking up pieces after Vernon SPCA’s withdrawal
Local rescue organizations are preparing to step up and close the gaps now that Vernon…
BC SPCA creates new position in Vernon to fill gap from shelter closure
BC SPCA has created a new position in Vernon in an effort to fill the…
Vernon owner surrenders dog suffering from ‘happy tail’ syndrome
A German shepherd was surrendered to the BC SPCA because her tail bone was exposed…
How the SPCA approves dog rescue groups
VERNON - There’s a wide range of standards among rescue groups across the province, and while animals are directly involved, that doesn’t mean the SPCA has a hand in how they operate. Aspects of dog rescuing such as fostering and adoption procedures, holding periods, and vet-checks simply aren’t something the SPCA has a mechanism to...
Why this Vernon dog rescue wasn’t the saving grace it claimed to be
"I THINK SHE IS A DOG FLIPPER AND NOT SOMEBODY WHO REALLY CARES ABOUT DOGS" VERNON - After 16 years working in animal welfare, Patricia Zerr was never asked to steal a dog — until the winter of 2014 after she got involved with a Vernon-based dog rescue. She remembers driving to a home on...
Animal welfare advocate named SPCA volunteer of the year
KAMLOOPS – For more than twenty years, Michelle Virdee has volunteered at the Kamloops B.C. SPCA branch. She has witnessed her share of tragedies and triumphs, all in the name of animal welfare. This week she was acknowledged as B.C. SPCA’s Volunteer of the Year for her dedication not only to the society but to...
Cats abandoned at Penticton SPCA; plea issued for information
PENTICTON – Someone left their two older cats outside the Penticton shelter this week and the SPCA would like some answers as to why. The “lovely older ladies” greeted shelter staff when they arrived at work in the morning on Wednesday, March 11, according to manager Corrine Ross on Facebook. They were in separate pet...
Cat loses leg after getting caught in trap
PENTICTON – Phoenix the cat has definitely used up one of his nine lives after he was caught in a leg hold trap in Penticton. A local woman and her kids found the cat and surrendered him to AlleyCATS Alliance. “What was in the box was a very frightened, beautiful soft gray cat with large...
Increased fines would better protect animal welfare says Vernon SPCA
VERNON - The Vernon SPCA wants local governing bodies to look at ways of improving animal welfare through the use of bylaws and fines. Branch manager Chelsea Taylor came before Vernon council Monday, Jan. 26, to highlight some of the things the city, and the North Okanagan Regional District, could do for animals in the...
Rescuing a horse? Here’s what you’re getting into
“AT THIS POINT, EVERYONE’S THINKING WITH THEIR HEARTS” ARMSTRONG - We’ve seen a lot of generosity and kindness in the weeks following an animal cruelty case, but the SPCA is cautioning people not to let good intentions cloud their judgement. Armstrong man Gary Roberts faces two charges of animal cruelty, and has been court ordered...
How the Penticton Indian Band is handling wild horses
PENTICTON - Wild horses are becoming a greater problem in Penticton as they continue to wander off band land and onto highways, causing injury to themselves and drivers. But despite the need to remove hundreds of horses, the band chief says there will always be horses on their land. There are over 600 horses on...
B.C. SPCA frustrated with dog owners who don’t get it
VANCOUVER – Despite ongoing warnings and a public relations campaign some pet owners just don’t get the simple message; don’t leave your dog inside your car. The phones at B.C. SPCA branches throughout the province have been ringing off the hook with cases of hot dogs needing to be rescued. In June, the SPCA constables...