Thursday, March 28, 2024

BC SPCA celebrates 125 year anniversary with provincial proclamation

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The province issued a special proclamation on Monday in recognition of the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA)’s 125th anniversary.

The society was first established in 1895 after a group of clergy, journalists and businessmen lobbied the government over the mistreatment of horses used to haul heavy materials in BC’s booming construction economy.

Legislation passed by the government and later amended to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act established the BC SPCA as a body to enforce animal protection laws.

Since then over a million injured and abused domestic, farm and wild animals have been helped by the non-profit animal welfare organization.

Craig Daniell, CEO of the BC SPCA says the key to the BC SPCA’s longevity and achievements are the people who are passionate about protecting the province’s most vulnerable animals.

“It is the kindness, generosity and compassion of our incredible partners – our donors, our 5,500 volunteers, our corporate and community sponsors and our hardworking staff – who make this life-saving work possible.”

The BC SPCA now has 44 locations across the province, including community animal centres, store-front adoption sites, veterinary hospitals, spay/neuter clinics and a wildlife rehabilitation centre.

Last year the organization responded to 8,000 complaints of animal cruelty and provided care for nearly 48,000 animals in need.

In addition to its front-line care work, the BC SPCA also runs engagement programs through the BC Kids Club, summer camps, workshops, school clubs and Bark! Magazine.

They have also contributed to changing Codes of Practice for farm animals and assistingassist animals affected by wildfires and other natural disasters.

“While BC SPCA services and programs are wide-ranging and far-reaching, the society has stayed true to its roots as an advocacy organization,” adds Daniell.

“We will always be a safety net for abused, injured and homeless animals, but our goal is to change the way animals are valued and treated so that they don’t suffer in the first place.”

The organizationBC SPCA says that as a result of the society’s ongoing advocacy efforts, B.C. has the strongest animal cruelty laws anywhere in Canada.

Tim Ford
Tim Ford
Digital staff writer with Victoria Buzz

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